‘Grandparent’ Phone Scam On The Rise Locally

According  to Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond, his office has been receiving a number of complaints of a variety of phone scams but the most common complaint is regarding the "Grandparent" or "Grandchild" phone scam. In this scam, the caller pretends to be that person's grandchild, who is in trouble and needs money right away. There is always a plea for money to be wired immediately due to being sick and in the hospital or stuck overseas somewhere.The reasons for needing cash money wired right away can be different and the story can be very believable but don't fall for it.

Sheriff DuMond makes the following recommendations to area residents regarding these types of scams:

• Resist the urge to act immediately – no matter how dramatic the story is.

• Verify the caller’s identity. Ask questions that a stranger couldn’t possibly answer. Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine. Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you’ve been told to keep it a secret.

• DO NOT send cash, gift cards, or money transfers – once the scammer gets your money, it’s gone!

• Never give personal or banking information such as Social Security number, dates of birth, bank account numbers, checking account numbers, or routing numbers.

If you suspect you have received an attempted scam phone call or if you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at  ftc.gov/complaint.