Grandparent Scam

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WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT THIS IS A SCAM?

You are contacted by someone posing as your grandchild, a friend of your grandchild or a police officer, who says your grandchild is under arrest or have been detained in a foreign country while on vacation. Your grandchild is quite frightened and in a hurry to be released.

Your grandchild or their friend tells you that the only way to be released is to pay a local lawyer thousands of dollars, and they ask you to wire that money immediately. They also ask you not to contact your local authorities, or the grandchild’s parents, and to wire the money as quickly as possible.






HOW CAN CONSUMERS PROTECT THEMSELVES?

Whenever you are contacted by a person pretending to be a family member in a foreign location or an odd situation, ask the person questions that only a family member would know. When in doubt, hang up the phone and contact another family member to verify the information you’ve been given.

Discuss the possibility of this scam occurring in your family, and devise a “password” or code phrase that will be used in the event of emergencies to ensure you’re really speaking with a grandchild.


HOW TO REPORT IF YOU’VE BEEN A VICTIM

Local Police Department: If you think you’re encountered a grandparent scam, immediately contact your local police department to file a report.

Ohio Attorney General's office: Contact the Ohio Attorney General’s office (800-282-0515).