WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GRANDPARENT SCAM

HOW IT WORKS

You get a frantic call from someone claiming to be your grandson or grandaughter.  The caller says there is an emergency and asks you to send money right away.  But there is a good chance that this is an imposter trying to steal your money through the "grandparent scam".  Scammers usually claim to be in a desperate situation, such as being involved in a car accident or needing money to get out of a legal mess.  The caller poses as your grandchild, or a law enforcement officer or attorney calling on your grandchild's behalf - whatever it takes to sound convincing.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The caller may have personal information, such as family member's names, that they could have found on social media sites. 
• The caller will likely ask that you send the money by wire transfer or gift card. 
• They will likely beg you not to tell anyone.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Try to reach the person the caller is claiming to be.  If you can't reach him or her, contact a friend or family member to try and validate the emergency.
• Ask some questions that would be hard for an imposter to answer, like a pet's name or a mother's birthday, information not found online.