Fraud Alert: Your grandchildren need help
Think you recognize that voice at the other end of the line? Well, it might not be who you think it is. That’s what a couple of Lee County residents recently learned when they received calls from a young person claiming to be their grandchild.
The first one went like this:
Young Male Caller: “Grandpa, this is your oldest grandson.”
Mr. Jones: “Edward?”
Caller: “Yes, grandpa, I need some help.”
The call went on from there to ask for $3,000.
The second call went like this:
Young Female Caller: “Grandma, do you know who this is?”
Mrs. Williams: “Elizabeth?”
Caller: “Yes, grandma I’ve been in a car accident in Vancouver and need $3200 so I can repair my car and return home.”
Thankfully no money was lost. However, the caller was able to easily obtain their grandchildren’s names and engage them in a conversation. Both seniors were lucky, they were unable to send any money. Both said they felt bad until they read a Fraud Alert posted in their community’s clubhouses.
“This is the perfect opportunity to thank everyone who is helping the Lee County Sheriff’s Office warn people about the frauds and scams out there by holding seminars and posting Fraud Alerts on their bulletin boards, websites and in their newsletters. It is because of each of you that people are thinking twice before falling for the lines of the con-artists,” says Sheriff Mike Scott. “Remember to never give out information until you have confirmed who you are talking to; this may mean you need to make a phone call confirming what you are being told.”
For assistance call the Sheriff’s
Office Fraud Line: 239-477-1242
CASE, Communities Against Senior Exploitation
Source: CASE, Communities Against Senior Exploitation