Scammers Net Thousands from Seniors
The San Luis Obispo Police Department announced multiple victims of a scam have surfaced in the past two weeks.
According to SLOPD, officers have responded to several calls from elderly SLO residents who have been defrauded of thousands of dollars from what police are calling the “Grandparent Scam.”
Police say the elderly victims are called by a person claiming to be a grandchild, nephew, niece, or other relative.
The caller tells the victim that they were arrested or were in an accident in a foreign country and need money for bail or medical expenses.
The scammers will often use a second person who will claim to be a lawyer, doctor, or other official who will instruct the victim on how to send the money.
The suspects tell the victims not to discuss the transfer of money with family members. They are given instructions on what to say at financial institutions if asked about the transfer. The suspects often will pressure the victim to act quickly.
Victims are told to wire the funds via Western Union or Money Gram.
In two recent cases, over $80,000 and $50,000 was transferred via wire service to Canada and Mexico.
Police are advising citizens to be alert for scammers and not to send money overseas without verifying what they are told.
Read More:
SLO Tribune: Don’t Fall for “Grandparent Scam” Sheriff’s Warn
