Grandparent SCAM Warning!
It seems like every day we hear of a new scam going around our community. During these difficult economic times, many people are desperate to get their hands on extra cash - and are willing to do some crazy things to succeed in that.
Our job at Niagara Regional FCU is to keep our members aware of the latest scams, in hopes to avoid any mishaps and to keep your money safe and in your own pockets. We just received notice from the FBI Buffalo Field Office, and we’d like to share this scam going around, targeting mainly the older population. Coined with the term “elder fraud”, this scam has unfortunately been successful and caused the loss of tens of thousands of dollars in elders throughout the Western New York region. One particularly popular variation of this scam is the following:
“Someone calls an older person at their home claiming to be that person's grandchild -- often knowing the true name of the grandchild. The grandchild is claiming they've been in a serious car accident. They are frantic and panicked during the call....and they plea for the grandparent to get cash for them, so they can post bond. The grandchild then gives the phone to another person, who is described as an attorney. The supposed attorney directs the grandparent to go to their local bank and withdraw approximately 15,000 dollars in cash, to put the cash in an envelope...and then to wait for a courier to arrive at their house. A short time later, a car or van arrives at the grandparent's home, and they turn over the money. Sometimes, the scammers use ride share companies to retrieve the cash from the victims' homes.”
If you receive a phone call like the one described above, immediately hang up the phone and report it to either the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or your local police department. If you have older relatives, please be sure to share this information with them. Your money is hard-earned and rightfully yours! Don’t let yourself or someone you love fall victim to this mindless scam.
Niagara Regional is here for you when life happens, even in scary situations like this! If you have any questions for us, give us a call at (716)529-3080!