If reports of phone scams sound redundant, it’s only because the crimes are becoming more frequent, and even as word gets out to more potential victims, the scammers are getting better at their crime, as in a case related by the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office on Monday.
The amount lost by the elderly victim wasn’t specified, other than to say that it was “significant”. The scam targets well-meaning grandparents by impersonating a grandchild calling to say: “Grandma, it’s me! I’m in trouble!”, claiming they’ve been in an accident or need bail money. They’ll include elements of panic, ask not to tell the parents, and insist things must be done quickly. Scammers are even getting past the usual tip-offs of requesting payments through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, which never occurs with real agencies. That could be due to the ability of the scammer to impersonate the child. After listening to both the real and the fake child, investigators say they often hear a striking similarity.
The Sheriff said that people should know that the scammers have done their homework and know the grandchild’s name, but they could be tripped up by asking a question only the real grandchild would know. However, it’s always easier just to hang up and then report the scam to your local law enforcement agency.
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