THUNDER BAY – LIVING – TECH – Scammers are increasingly targeting grandparents and seniors with emotionally manipulative tactics designed to exploit their love and concern for their families.
As we hit the holiday season, scammers are not taking a break, they are hard at it trying to get ahold of your hard earned money.
These “grandparent scams” or “emergency scams” prey on the desire to help loved ones in distress. This often leads to significant financial losses.
How the Scam Works:
Fraudsters typically contact seniors by phone, posing as a family member in trouble – a grandchild, a niece, or even an old neighbour. They weave a convincing story of an urgent situation, such as a car accident, arrest, or being stranded in a foreign country. The scammer will often mimic the voice or mannerisms of the relative they are impersonating.
The call often unfolds like this:
- Scammer: “Hi Grandma! It’s me, [grandchild’s name].”
- Grandparent: “[Grandchild’s name]? Is that really you?”
- Scammer: “Yes, it’s me. But Grandma, please keep this a secret. I don’t want Mom and Dad to find out. I’m in trouble…”
The scammer then proceeds to concoct a believable story, often claiming to need immediate financial assistance for bail money, legal fees, or travel expenses. They will pressure the grandparent to act quickly and send money without contacting anyone else.
Protect Yourself from Grandparent Scams
Here are some essential tips to avoid falling victim to this scam:
- Be Suspicious: If a call demands immediate action and secrecy, be wary. Hang up and contact the family member directly to verify the story.
- Verify the Story: If the caller claims to be in trouble with the law, contact the local police non-emergency line to confirm the situation.
- Don’t Rush: Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency. Take your time to verify the story and ask questions.
- Talk to Someone You Trust: Discuss the situation with a trusted friend, family member, or your bank before sending any money.
- Never Send Money to Strangers: Avoid sending cash, cryptocurrencies, or funds to unknown individuals or unverified accounts.
If You’ve Been Scammed:
If you believe you have fallen victim to a grandparent scam, contact your local police and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre.ca [invalid URL removed].
By staying informed and vigilant, grandparents and seniors can protect themselves from these manipulative scams and keep their hard-earned money safe.
