The ‘Grandchild’ Scam: North Country resident warns others to beware

The ‘Grandchild’ Scam, or sometimes better known as the ‘Grandparent’ Scam. It pops up here and there from time to time and authorities warn to be very cautious if you receive a phone call or an email that strongly insists money for family members who are in trouble.

Just recently, a North Country resident reached out to us and claimed that they had received a phone call about how their grandson had been in an accident, with the caller requesting $7,500 to help out.

Fortunately, this resident refused, but wants others to be alert for this type of scam.

According to New York’s Department of State Office, this type of scam can vary from a grandchild and/or family member who has been in an accident, or has been arrested overseas; has been kidnapped and etc.

No matter which scenario, authorities say the scammer is trying to create mass anxiety and rush their victim into reacting.

If your happen to receive a phone call or an email similar to any of these examples, officials strongly urge not to react, but to verify the status of your loved ones.

As always, authorities warn to never reveal or share any personal information with any untrusted sources.

How to protect yourself from this scam and other scams:

• Never give out social security numbers, bank account numbers, or any other personal and confidential information over the phone.
• To protect your email account from being used by scammers, install a firewall and anti-virus/anti-spyware software. Plus, keep all of your software updated.
• Do not open email attachments from strangers or any emails that seem suspicious. Attachments can sometimes contain programs that allow scammers to gain access to your computer.
• If you do receive calls or emails of this nature, try not to act out of urgency. Stay calm and be suspicious when you receive a call from a grandchild abroad or in a foreign country, who says he or she is in trouble.
• If you do receive a call or email from someone who claims to know you and is asking for help, verify that the call is legitimate BEFORE you send money. To confirm that person's identity, ask the caller several questions, which only that person would be able to answer.
• If you determine that you have been scammed, contact the money transfer service immediately to report the fraud. These scammers usually ask for money to be wired through such services as Western Union (1-800-448-1492) and MoneyGram (1-800-666-3947).

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