NYSP: Beware of latest grandparent scams

Authorities with the New York State Police are warning members of the public to beware of the latest scams that have surfaced, primarily ones targeting the elderly.

Just recently, State Police investigators cracked a pair of scams over in Oswego County, where one 75-year-old female received a phone call stating they were being accused of a crime.

The person over the phone instructed the victim that they would need to turn over a large sum of money to avoid being arrested, and a person would show up at their residence to collect cash.

The victim ended up bringing a large sum of cash with her to the State Police barracks in Pulaski, NY when she reported the incident.

Furthermore, a 72-year-old male was transferred to a telephone number after he was advised his cash app was hacked.

The person on the phone asked the victim to withdraw $ 38,000 cash, which the person on the phone stated would protect his money.

The scammers told the victim that they would come to his residence to pick up the cash.

The victim contacted the New York State Police when he realized this was a possible fraud.

Here are some tips if you receive a call like this:

If someone calls or sends a message stating you need to pay with money for a crime or to protect your account from being hacked:

1. Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is.
2. Verify the person’s identity by asking questions a stranger couldn’t answer.
3. Do not give out personal information (date of birth, social security, address, etc.)
4. Don’t wire money, get cash out of a bank, or send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier.
5. Report possible fraud at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.

Scammers Use Tricks

They impersonate:

It’s surprisingly easy for a scam artist to impersonate someone. The internet and social media make it easier to sleuth out personal and family information. Scammers also could hack into the email account of someone you know. To make their story seem legitimate, they may involve another crook who claims to be an authority figure, like a lawyer or police officer.

They play on your emotions:

Scammers are banking on your emotions to outweigh your skepticism. Sometimes, they will try to involve your family and loved ones, stating they are in danger. Call the police and check with your family before giving in to their antics.

They swear you to secrecy:

Con artists may insist that you keep their request for money confidential – to keep you from checking out their story and identifying them as imposters. They will tell you to go to a bank and withdraw a large amount of cash and say it is for a family loan, vehicle, or vacation so it does not seem suspicious.

NYSP image.