Cons, Frauds and Scams
"Grandma" or "Grandson" Scam
We have had reports of the grandson scam. Older adults are
receiving calls from people pretending to be their grandson. The
fake grandson pleads for help because they've been in an
accident or is in jail and needs money. They ask the older adult
to wire money by Western Union to help them. Sometimes the
caller knows the name of the grandson and sometimes they trick
the older adult into giving them the name. If you receive a call
from someone who says they are your grandson or nephew -- call
your grandson or nephew and check the story before you wire
money.
The "Grandma Scam" has resurfaced on the west coast. The
con artists goes through the telephone book looking for first
names that might indicate that the person is a senior; names
like Ruth, Stella, or Mabel. They call the senior and say,
"Grandma, is that you? Can you hear me? I'm in jail and need
help." They continue to talk until the senior says, for example,
"Jimmy, is that you?" Now the caller has the grandson's name and
says, "Yes, Grandma, it's me, Jimmy." The caller then says they
are in jail for a minor offense and they need money to get out.
Then the caller asks the senior to wire money through Western
Union. Many seniors have been victims of this scam.
Mesa Police Department
PO Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211
480-644-2030