AARP Fraud Watch   
      
   The Grandparent Scam   
      
   Dear Ben,   
      
   You get a frantic call from someone claiming to be your grandson or   
   granddaughter. The caller says there’s an emergency and asks you to send   
   money right away. But there’s a good chance this is an imposter trying   
   to steal your money through the “grandparent scam.”   
      
   How it Works:   
      
   Scammers usually claim to be in a “help me” situation, such as   
   being stuck with a broken down car or needing money to get somewhere. The   
   caller may pose as your grandchild, or a law enforcement officer or attorney   
   calling on your grandchild’s behalf; whatever it takes to sound   
   convincing.   
      
   What You Should Know:   
      
     * These scams often happen in the middle of the night, to catch you while   
       you’re not fully awake, making it easier to get you in a high state   
       of emotion and more susceptible. It’s what con artists refer to as   
       getting victims “under the ether.”   
     * The caller may have personal information such as family member’s   
       names that they could have picked up on social media sites.   
     * The caller will likely ask that you send the money by wire transfer - the   
       favorite method of con artists.   
      
   What You Should Do:   
      
     * Try to reach the person the caller is claiming to be directly. If you   
       can’t reach him or her, contact a friend or family member to try and   
       validate the emergency.   
     * Ask some questions that would be hard for an imposter to answer, like a   
       pet’s name or a mother’s birthday.   
     * Don’t send money unless you’re sure the situation is real.   
      
   The grandparent scam can be financially and emotionally devastating. Take it   
   from these grandparents who were victimized. Don’t let it happen to you.   
   Please be sure to share this alert with family and friends.   
      
   Sincerely,   
      
   Kristin Keckeisen   
   Fraud Watch Network   
      
   P.S. Spotted a scam?  Tell us about it.  Our scam-tracking map gives you   
   information about the latest scams targeting people in your state.   
   You’ll also find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing   
   their experiences so you know how to protect yourself and your family.   
      
   The AARP Fraud Watch Network connects you to the latest information about ID   
   theft and fraud so you can safeguard your personal information and your   
   pocketbook.   
      
   Visit the site ›   
      
   GET HELP:   
      
   If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity theft or fraud,   
   contact the AARP Foundation Fraud Fighter Center at 877-908-3360.   
      
   FORWARD TO A FRIEND:   
      
   Share this alert with your family and friends so they know how to spot the   
   common strategies scammers use and have the tools they need to defend   
   themselves against their tricks.   
      
   Forward this alert ›   
      
   AARP.org  |  Join us:   
      
   AARP   
   601 E Street NW   
   Washington, DC 20049   
      
   AARP Privacy Policy   
      
   Unsubscribe from AARP Fraud Watch Network or unsubscribe from all AARP   
   e-mails.   
      
   nonprofit software   
      
   No virus found in this message.   
   Checked by AVG - www.avg.com   
   Version: 2016.0.7752 / Virus Database: 4649/12906 - Release Date: 08/29/16   
      
   === Cut ===   
      
      
   -+-   
   Keep the faith   :^)   
      
      Ben  aka cMech  Web: http|ftp|binkp|telnet://cmech.dynip.com   
                    Email: fido4cmech(at)lusfiber.net   
                 Home page: http://cmech.dynip.com/homepage/   
              WildCat! Board 24/7  +1-337-984-4794  any BAUD 8,N,1   
      
   ... Bridges and tunnels are proof that we will not be denied.   
   --- GoldED+/W32-MSVC v1.1.5 via Mystic BBS   
    * Origin: FIDONet - The Positronium Repository (1:393/68)