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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Granny Scammers




I heard this story on the radio today as I was leaving the college, and had to check it out as soon as I got home. Basically there is a big thing right now where grandparents are being called up by people pretending to be their grandkids. The pretenders then tell the grandparents a concocted story of how they are in jail, or in an accident and need money right away. They come up with a convincing story, and with a since of urgency and the grandparents love for the grandchild, they are had. Most are convinced not to say anything to the rest of the family until they arrive. Although the grandparents never get that notification of the arrival, and find out about the scam as soon as they talk to their real grandson. I had never heard of scamming grandparents like this before, but this is pretty low. I believe it was around 120 something complaints were reported. All of the money was wired to canada.

One key thing to note when receiving this phone call, is that the caller insists on the secrecy which is a major lightbulb going off. Also...verify...verify..verify. What ever happened to call id and *69?? But I guess that can be easily spoofed now too.. heck i've spoofed phone calls to mess with people :P

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