Grandparent scam popular during Spring Break

Every spring, students anticipate the arrival of spring break – a chance to trade their studies for some fun in the sun. Unfortunately, it’s also the time when unscrupulous individuals see this as a chance to purport what is known as the Grandparent Scam. Better Business Bureau warns seniors to be wary of these “emergency” scams designed to fool them into thinking that their grandchild is hurt, arrested or stranded, and in need of money.

Here's how it works. Typically, the grandparent receives a frantic phone call, which they are led to believe is their grandchild away for spring break. A scammer, posing as their grandchild, explains that he or she has gotten into trouble and needs their help. The "grandchild" might claim he or she caused a car accident or is in trouble with the law and requires money to be wired immediately. Victims may also be contacted by someone claiming to be a police officer or lawyer representing the grandchild in court. In either case, the "grandchild" pleads with the grandparents to not tell his or her parents and asks that they wire thousands of dollars for reasons including posting bail, repairing the grandchild's car, covering lawyer's fees or even paying hospital bills for a person the grandchild injured in a car accident.

“The grandparent scam preys on the love of a grandparent for their grandchildren and has proven to be an extremely lucrative con for scammers,” said Mechele Mills, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas. “Fortunately, this is an easy scam to avoid as long as you don’t let your emotions get the best of you.” 

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