FROM: HOLLEY
CARNRIGHT
DATE: FEBRUARY 25,
2014
RE: PRESS RELEASE –
PHONY EMERGENCY CALLS “HELP GRANDMA”
Ulster County
seniors are warned of phony “emergency” calls asking grandparents to wire money
to help a grandchild who is “in trouble.” According to the Ulster County District
Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs, there are several warning signs of the
grandparent scam:
- An urgent call for financial help with an emergency such as a car crash, medical emergency or trouble with the law;
- A request to send money by wire transfer via Western Union or MoneyGram;
- A request to keep the call confidential.
Grandparent scam con
artists sometimes trick their victims into mentioning names or they might
already have information gleaned from social networking sites like MySpace or
Facebook. The best defense is to be skeptical. Ask questions to verify the
caller’s identity. Always call parents or other family members before
considering sending anyone money. Don’t be rushed. Don’t wire money, which is
like sending cash and is impossible to recover, and, never give credit card or
bank account information over the phone.
Consumer Affairs can
be reached at 845-340-3260.
