There's a terrifying scam going around that targets grandparents and senior citizens. Known as the "hey grandma" or "grandparent scam", con artists are tricking senior citizens into giving them money by posing as their grandchildren pleading for funds over the phone, CBS News reports. These scammers are earning more than $10,000 a day just by duping elderly folks into thinking they're speaking to their grandchild who was just arrested and needs money for bail and lawyers. A former conman explained to CBS how they pulled this off in an effort to warn others. The unnamed criminal told CBS News that they target people over the age of 65 because they are the most gullible. "Once you get them emotionally involved, then they'll do anything for you," the criminal explained.
The following scripts can run similar to this:
"Hey, how are you, hi grandma, hi grandpa ... I'm in a little bit of trouble right now. If I tell you, just keep it between us, I'm on vacation, but I got into a little accident, and I was arrested for a DUI. Things got out of control, and I need you to send me money."
They also may claim they have a broken nose, or make up lies to explain why their voice might sound different. To protect yourself and your family, you should warn your grandparents or any seniors you know about this ongoing scam. A good trick is to confirm that it's really your grandchild calling by asking the caller a specific question that only your grandchild would know the answer too!