Category: Grandparent Fraud
Grandparent Fraud is a deceptive scam targeting the elderly, where scammers pose as grandchildren in distress, often claiming emergencies like arrest or medical issues to solicit money urgently. They create a sense of urgency, use spoofed caller IDs, and familiar language to gain trust. Signs of this fraud include unexpected calls, immediate payment requests, and unverifiable stories. To protect against this scam, it’s essential to verify the caller’s identity, consult family members before sending money, educate seniors about common scams, and avoid risky payment methods. If victimized, individuals should stop communication, report the incident to law enforcement and the FTC, and alert family members to prevent further occurrences.