COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio’s top law enforcement official wants grandparents to be wary of calls to help grandchildren.
Attorney General Mike DeWine says his office has received 22 complaints this year on what are called grandparent scams. People have lost from $1,000 to $8,000 in different scams.
Typically, someone will pose as a grandchild often claiming to be calling from overseas or another state. They will ask the grandparent to wire money needed to avoid going to jail or for some other urgent need. They also will urge the grandparent not to tell their parents.
DeWine’s office suggests grandparents take the following precautions:
If you get a call from a grandchild in trouble, ask questions only your real family members would know how to answer.
Keep in mind that scam artists may know some personal information about the grandparents or grandchildren.
Tell your own family members to be very suspicious if a “grandchild” calls for help and insists that “Mom and Dad” shouldn’t know about the situation.
Never wire transfer money to someone who calls unexpectedly.
Never buy a prepaid money card and give the card number to someone who calls unexpectedly. Prepaid money cards and wire transfers are preferred payment methods of scammers.
Watch out for any unusual banking activity or receipts from wire transfer services among your grandparents or other family members.
Discourage your family from posting any upcoming travel plans online so that scammers can’t use that information to take advantage of your family.