Protecting seniors from “grandchild” scammers

Grandparents Day was recently celebrated and now is a good time for families to talk about scams that target seniors, especially to be on the lookout for what is called the “grandparent scam”.

The scam preys on the love of a grandparent for their grandchildren. Typically the grandparent receives a frantic phone call from whom they are led to believe is their grandchild. A scammer posing as their grandchild explains that he or she is in trouble and need their help, usually saying they’re trapped in another country or involved in some type of accident or emergency.

The “grandchild” pleads to the grandparents to not tell his or her parents and asks that they wire thousands of dollars for reasons including posting bail, paying hospital bills or to cover bail or lawyer’s fees.

Seniors are trusting and compassionate and willing to help a loved one. Scammers play off of these emotions and often times common sense goes out the window.

Ask a personal question, an easy way to confirm their identify by asking a simple question that the grandchild would know such as the names of a cousin or pet.

Here are some tips to protect your family from senior scams:

Look at lifestyle changes. Look for anything out of the ordinary, such as becoming withdrawn or secretive about phone calls. Seniors are often times too embarrassed to tell anyone they have been a victim of a scam.

Review financial statements. Look for any suspicious activities on bank and credit card statements. Look for checks written for large amounts of money to unfamiliar companies. Look for a sudden inability to pay bills.

Education is important. Take time to talk about different types of scams, such as receiving unsolicited phone calls asking for financial and personal information, or visits from door-to-door salesmen using high pressure sales tactics. Be skeptical and verify information. Don’t wire money to anyone you don’t know.

Report the call. Contact your bank and credit card companies immediately if you have been a victim of a scam. File a police report. Contact your Missouri Attorney General and the Mid-Missouri BBB.

For more information, please contact the Mid-Missouri BBB at 573-886-8965 or via email at manager@midmobbb.org.