February 2, 2017
Family Emergency Grandparent Scam
By Carol Ehlers
Human Sciences Extension and Outreach-Family Finance
Iowa State University Extension
xehlers@iastate.edu (712) 732-5056
According to Carol Ehlers, a human sciences specialist in family finance with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, a Northwest Iowa grandmother recently received a disturbing phone call. The caller told her, “You don’t know me, but your granddaughter is in jail in Michigan and needs money wired immediately. I’m calling from a pay phone and you can’t call back.” The grandmother identified this as a scam, didn’t send the money and hung up!
According to Ehlers, recent reports indicate scammers are posing as relatives or friends, calling or sending messages to urge people to wire money immediately.
Ehlers advises following these steps recommended by the FTC:
• Resist the urge to act immediately
• Verify the person’s identity by asking questions that a stranger couldn’t possibly answer.
• Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine.
• Check the story out with your family or circle of friends
• DON’T wire money and DON’T send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier.
• Report possible fraud at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.
Contact the Office of the Attorney General of Iowa, Consumer Protection Division at consumer@iowa.gov or (888)-777-4590.
