Grandma Scam

**** Grandma Scam****

The Tuckahoe Police Department has received several complaints about the “Grandma Scam” being used to target seniors.  There have been various types of calls that the seniors have received.  The Tuckahoe Police Department is providing you with a list below on types of calls currently being used and how to avoid becoming a victim. 

Types of scenario calls:

· A grandparent receives a phone call (or sometimes an e-mail) from a “grandchild.” If it is a phone call, it’s often late at night or early in the morning when most people aren’t thinking that clearly. Usually, the person claims to be traveling in a foreign country and has gotten into a bad situation, like being arrested for drugs, getting in a car accident or being mugged…and needs money wired ASAP. And the caller doesn’t want his or her parents told.

· Sometimes, instead of the “grandchild” making the phone call, the criminal pretends to be an arresting police officer, a lawyer, a doctor at a hospital, or some other person. And we’ve also received complaints about the phony grandchild talking first and then handing the phone over to an accomplice…to further spin the fake tale.

How to avoid becoming a victim:

• Try to contact your grandchild or another family member to determine whether or not the call is legitimate.

• Never wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an e-mail...especially overseas. Wiring money is like giving cash—once you send it, you can’t get it back.

  If you receive one of these calls or have any questions, contact the Tuckahoe Police Department at (914) 961-4800.