Grandparents Alerted to a Scam

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Department is warning grandparents about an ongoing scam. It starts with a call from someone claiming to be the person’s grandson or granddaughter who is has been arrested and needs money. They need the funds immediately to post bail or pay for damages from a car wreck. They will also ask you not to tell anyone about this incident. They will hand the phone to an alleged police officer or attorney who will guide you on how to send the money. It could be by cash in the mail, or they will request that you purchase gift cards and call them back with the number on the cards. Once that money is wired, it’s gone and can’t be recovered. This has proven to be an extremely lucrative con for scammers because the scam preys on the love of a grandparent for their grandchildren.

This is an easy scam to avoid as long as you don’t let your emotions get the best of you. A jail or court would never ask for cash to be mailed or gift cards to be purchased to post bail or pay for damages. If their voice sounds different, they will claim to have a cold. 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. 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.