Don’t fall for it: Scammers create fake emergencies
- Kim Thompson: Better Business Bureau
- August 1, 2018
- 2275
Scams all break down to a simple formula: con artists preying on our emotions to get money or personal information. They know they need us to react before we actually think about what they are telling us, so they create an emergency for us to jump on board quickly. Don’t fall for it.
The emergency scam, otherwise known as the grandparent scam, generally begins with a phone call, but text, email or social media messages also have been used. The con man will try to trick you into thinking a loved one is in some kind of urgent trouble.
There are many variations of this scam. It could be a grandparent targeted to help a grandchild get out of jail or the hospital or maybe a friend helping another friend get back in the country after their wallet was stolen. The ruse can take many turns, but there will always be a supposed emergency that you are asked to send money immediately.
To add credibility, the scammers may claim to be an authority figure, like a lawyer or police officer, or they may have your “family member” speak to you. They may guess information or have facts about your loved one obtained from the internet or social media. These imposters will probably insist that you not tell others about their demand for money to keep you from identifying them as frauds. But no matter how real or urgent this seems, it’s a scam.
Check it out before you act. Look up that friend or family’s phone number yourself. Call them or another family member to see what’s happening, even if the person who contacted you told you not to.
Don’t pay. Don’t wire money, pay with a gift card or cash-reload card. Anyone who demands payment in these ways is generally a scammer. These payment methods are like giving cash and nearly untraceable.
Ask a personal question but don’t disclose too much information. If a caller says, “It’s me, Grandma,” don’t respond with a name. Instead let the caller explain who he or she is. One easy way to confirm their identity is to ask a simple question that the actual individual would know such as what school they attend or their pet’s name.
If you have been contacted with an emergency scam, report it to help others avoid being scammed. You can report to BBB’s Scamtracker at www.bbb.org/scamtracker and to FTC’s complaint center at www.ftc.gov/complaint.
Visit BBB Scam Tips at www.bbb.org/scamtips to learn more ways to avoid scams and to read about the many types of scams.
Visit www.bbb.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, report a scam with Scam Tracker, read tips, follow us on social media and more.