Beware: Grandparents Targeted in Scams in Iowa – NorthIowaToday
Iowa officials are warning Iowans about a concerning new trend of “grandparent scams” targeting older residents in several communities across the state. This deceptive scheme, although not new, has resurfaced, catching many unsuspecting victims off guard.
In these elaborate scams, fraudsters impersonate a grandchild in distress, claiming to have been involved in an accident, hospitalized, jailed, or stranded in a foreign country. They then plead with the grandparent for financial assistance. To add credibility to their claims, scammers may even dispatch a supposed courier to collect the money in person.
The criminals behind these scams often gather personal information about the grandchild from social media platforms to make their story more convincing. In some instances, they may collaborate with accomplices posing as professionals like lawyers, doctors, or police officers to further deceive the victim.
Attorney General Bird expressed his dismay, stating, “Scamming someone out of money is evil enough, but manipulating someone’s love for their grandchild shows just how low scammers will go to steal from you.” He emphasized the importance of verifying any requests for money over the phone and urged individuals to exercise caution when faced with such situations.
The grandparent scam underscores the risks associated with sharing personal details, wiring funds, providing prepaid card numbers or bank information, and engaging in financial transactions with strangers via phone. These scams often involve transferring money internationally, making it challenging to trace and recover the funds.
Protect Yourself Against Grandparent Scams
To safeguard against falling victim to these scams, the Department of Public Safety and Attorney General Bird recommend the following precautions:
– **Hang up**: End the call and independently verify the information provided.
– **Contact a trusted family member**: Reach out to a known phone number for your grandchild or another family member to confirm the situation, even if secrecy is requested.
– **Verify the person’s identity**: Ask personal questions that only your loved one would know to confirm their identity.
– **Avoid hasty decisions**: Refrain from acting impulsively or in secrecy when asked for immediate payment based on fear, excitement, or sympathy.
– **Report the scam**: Notify local law enforcement authorities to seek assistance and prevent others from falling prey to similar scams.
Remember, it’s crucial to exercise caution and refrain from sharing personal information, sending money, or engaging with unfamiliar visitors. By remaining vigilant and following these guidelines, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to deceptive schemes.
If you suspect you or a family member has been targeted in a grandparent scam, do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement for guidance and support. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay vigilant against these fraudulent practices.
