Excerpt from blog originally on Why Farmers Platinum?
Recently, a friend's mother received an emergency call. In researching it we discovered it was almost word-for-word the same senior phone scam that's been pulled many times since at least 2004. It's netted criminals millions of dollars over the years.
Luckily she didn't hand over the money, but it was a believable enough situation that left her and her husband in tears wondering if their Grandson was really in trouble. It took two very long hours to confirm he was fine.
But it only took us a few minutes to find info and stories about it on-line. See links below, and pass this info to those you love.
Logically looking back, you can see the errors and signs of it being a scam, but when wrapped up in the emotion of the moment, many fall for it.
"Grandma, guess who?"
"Is this John?," she replies not realizing she's already given him enough info to fool her.
"Yes, it's me, it's John," the voice responds. "I need your help."
"What is it John?" Grandma may or may not notice his voice is different, but after all he is growing up. If she doesn't fall for it. He'll call someone else.
"Canada! Why?," she asks.
"My friend's father died and I helped him drive up here for the funeral. He wanted a friend with him. After the service we visited a park that my friend's dad used to take him to growing up. He wanted to go there again. While there we met some guys and decided to give them a ride to go get something to eat."
"OK..."
"While driving some cops pulled us over. One of the guys we just met kicked some drugs under my seat and I didn't know. It wasn't ours! But we were all arrested. I need $61,000 to get out of jail so I can come home."
"$61,000! I don't have that much money." The Grandmother pleads. "We need to talk to your parents."
"No. We can't tell them." The young man becomes insistent. He can't give her time to think. "I need your help. They won't understand. If you don't have that much, then $3,000 will at least get me out on bail so I can be home by tonight."
She hesitates. The $3,000 doesn't sound so bad compared to the $61,000.
"It's easy," he continues. "You can wire it to the Wal-Mart down the street."
If the grandmother says "yes", he reels her in and gives her directions. If not...
"I just don't have that money," she insists. "We really need to talk to your parents".
CLICK!
He hangs up and tries again with another victim.
The grandmother is left wondering if that really just happened. How could he have known so much if it wasn't really him? She's left feeling powerless to help.
In my friend's case, his mother called around to confirm her grandson was at school safe. Still, it's a disturbing event.
Most don't give the money, but what if 1 out of 100 phone calls does result in a pay-out for the con artist. It's enough to keep them trying.
Please pass this information along to everyone you know so if they hear something similar someday, they know to stop and ask a simple question.
"You sound different, John. When's your birthday?"
CLICK!
See the re-printed article below for advice.
In my friend's case, his mother called around to confirm her grandson was at school safe. Still, it's a disturbing event.
Most don't give the money, but what if 1 out of 100 phone calls does result in a pay-out for the con artist. It's enough to keep them trying.
Please pass this information along to everyone you know so if they hear something similar someday, they know to stop and ask a simple question.
"You sound different, John. When's your birthday?"
CLICK!
See the re-printed article below for advice.
More Information: Canadian Bail Money Granny Scam
Recent News Article:
Posted: 03/03/2011 12:00:00 AM PST
Q: My friend last week got taken by the "grandson scam." She sent $3,000 for her supposed grandson in Canada in jail and she only had a few hours to do it and could not tell anyone.She finally knew it was not legit when they called and wanted another $3,000 because they said she spelled a name wrong.She has reported this to police, but she knows that her money is gone.
C.H.Sunnyvale
A: Reporting this to law enforcement is the first step toward nabbing these crooks. This is a common crime, often originating from Canada, and police have made several arrests, but not before people like your friend were contributing to the crooks' $3 million take.The best defense is information.If someone calls claiming to be a relative, ask them to identify themselves first. Do not volunteer names or any other information, the Canada Broadcasting Corporation says.
Crooks often get family information from a social-networking site such as Facebook or news media obituaries. If your grandson calls with a frantic request for help, ask him to calm down. Ask some personal questions, such as full names and dates of birth. Ask for a callback number. This gives you time to verify their story.
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