Recently, I heard a report about a scam whereby a scammer calls random phone numbers and makes conversation with an elderly person to elicit information about a family member. Generally, the conversation goes something like this:
Hello?
Hi,Grandma.
Is that you, Susie?
With that the scammer has enough information to begin the scam. Many things can then happen, for example, a request is made for money to be wired via Western Union, or other money transfer service, to the scammer's account or other pick up point.
When I was in banking, I saw a lot of this type of activity. Generally, there was the old money in the envelope trick, where two scammers would get an elderly third person take the envelope to the bank, and trick him to deposit the unknown counterfeit money and transfer good funds to one of the scammers' "accounts", luring the senior with some false reward. Trust me, there were many others.
Another scam generally is the Nigerian fax connection, where you or your loved one receives a fax or a check in the mail, payable to her, with instructions to take the check go the bank, deposit or cash it, and wire funds to a location to win a trip or other falsity.
The point I am making here is for all of us to protect our parents and grandparents from this type of activity. If you become aware of this type if scam, be sure to contact law enforcement immediately. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, if probably is.
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