A Spring Break Scam Aimed at Grandparents

TYLER – Spring break is next week. The Better Business is warning about a grandparent scam, which is popular during spring break. It starts with a call from someone claiming to be the person’s grandson or granddaughter who is in trouble and needs money. Once that money is wired, it’s gone and can’t be recovered. Kaylen Burgess with the Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas says this has proven to be an extremely lucrative con for scammers because the scam preys on the love of a grandparent for their grandchildren.

But Burgess says this is an easy scam to avoid as long as you don’t let your emotions get the best of you. A grandparent should not disclose any information before confirming that it really is their grandchild. If a caller says “It’s me, Grandma!” don’t respond with a name, but instead let the caller explain who he or she is. She says ask the caller a question only that grandchild would know. And if you should fall victim to the scam, report the incident right away to the local police or the Better Business Bureau.