The “Grandparent Scam” typically targets the senior population, using the “distressed loved-one” tactic. Grandparents will receive a phone call from someone they believe is a loved one, a grandchild for example. The scammer will sound distressed and pitch a story of being involved in some kind of trouble in a distant location – they are on vacation for example. These calls will often times come in the middle of the night, waking the grandparent, adding to possible confusion or disorientation.
The scammer will be vague when trying to say who they are. They may say “it’s your grandson,” or “it’s me,” hoping the grandparent will provide a grandchild’s name. The scammer will sound urgent, adding to the distress and fear. They may say things like “I’ve been arrested in Canada and they won’t release me until I can post the $10,000 bond,” or similar kinds of trouble.
Scammers will give instructions on wiring money or even sending various gift cards to help their loved ones out of the trouble they are in. One Michigan grandparent was taken for $33,000 in a “Grandparent Scam.”
Before sending any kind of money or gift cards, always verify the identity of the caller. Ask questions that only your loved one will know – name of a pet, someone’s birthdate, nicknames, etc. Verify the location of your loved one by contacting other family members or the person claiming to be in trouble. There are other scams out there that can trick caller ID’s into showing a different number – a police department’s number for example. Don’t rely on caller ID’s to verify location of the caller. Never wire money or send money/gift cards unless you can positively identify the caller and location of your loved one.
For more information or to report a scam, visit the State of Michigan Attorney General website or call 877-765-8388.
At Compassionate Care Home Health Services, we care about the safety and wellness of aging adults. Our caregiving team is available to provide professional home care services, ranging from personal care to private nursing care, that help older adults live safely and comfortably at home. To learn more about our home care in Traverse City and the surrounding areas, contact us online or by phone at 877.308.1212. We would be happy to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation to discuss your care needs.