topic Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam in Among Friends

Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

Vivian — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 18:30:43 GMT

A little while ago, I received a phone call from a young man claiming to be my grandson. I was immediately suspicious because I know about these scams and the voice on the phone did not quite sound like my grandson. So, I asked him to tell me his secret name, a pet name that I have called my grandson from infancy. The scammer hung up immediately. My advice to other grandparents is to have some sort of code word or pet name that you can use when scammers call.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

Luvtuna — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 18:33:18 GMT

Good advice. This happened to my sister-in-law and she was onto this scam also so she asked the name of his dog and they hung up.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

roster — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 18:33:57 GMT

Good information. But how about checking caller ID before picking up your phone.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

Kachina624 — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 18:42:01 GMT

I've heard it suggested that scammers pick up information needed to make these calls on social media, especially Facebook. If you tell the world all about your grandson, Johnny, you make it easy for them. Be careful what you post and perhaps check your privacy settings.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

Anonymous032819 — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 18:44:05 GMT

It makes me sad for those who do fall for these scams, because sometimes the victims have some form of dementia.

My own father would constantly fall for the "Congratulations! You're a millionaire!" scam.

One time, my dad got a " check" from International Publishers Clearing House, and he was absolutely convinced that it was a real check.

I literally had to fight him to get the "check" away from him, before he tried to deposit it.

I hate how those scammers prey on the vulnerable.

May they all rot in hell.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

Love my grandkids — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 18:58:38 GMT

@Vivian For many years my DS's family and I have done this.

My GD and I have a secret "code" just for this and my GS has a special nickname for me that no one, other than his parents and his sister, know.

We talked about this scam years ago. Not gonna fool anyone in my family.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

Nightowlz — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 19:06:16 GMT

My MIL got the same call. She knew it was a scam because her grandson had just died. She said he did sound like him.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

silkyk — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 19:16:47 GMT

@roster wrote:
Good information. But how about checking caller ID before picking up your phone.

Caller ID can be changed easily. I got a call from MYSELF the other day. Amazing! A few days later got one from DH who was sitting right there in the living room. They can make that ID say whatever/whoever they want so don't trust that for information about who the caller is!

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

Vivian — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 19:31:51 GMT

When I got the call, there was no caller ID. My husband picked it up but I knew I had to intervene, since he has Alzheimer's. I immediately asked for that secret name and that was the end of the conversation,

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

freakygirl — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:16:14 GMT

i'm surprised that scam still happens. i've heard about that years ago, and sadly, so many have fallen victim to it. also the one about a relative being hurt and needs money badly, so a meeting place is set up. or some such cockamamie story. good thing you were on your guard and sharp. always trust your instincts and err on the side of caution.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

1Snickers — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:24:00 GMT

I got one and he kept calling me Grandma, my grandson never called me that! When I told him he would have to call his Dad he kept yelling "grandma, I'm in jail, I need money!" I laughed and told him he should obey the law, then hung up.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

candyagain — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:34:27 GMT

I got that call a week ago. After a little delay an adult male said, "Hi, grandma" -- at which point I hung up. My grandchldren are little and never call me grandma. Easy one.

The secure word is a great idea. My daughter and I had a secret word when she was growing up to guard against harmful strangers.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

RedTop — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:36:02 GMT

It's been a year since I've received this scam call, and there were 2 in the same week.

As soon as the guy called me Grandma, I lit in and cussed him up one side and down the other, told him he was dead to us, we never wanted to lay eyes on his sorry @$$ again, and hoped he burned in Hell. He hung up and so far no more calls.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

depglass — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:59:17 GMT

I refuse to pay 6.50 a month for caller ID on our landline. But there is no way I will be scammed, I'm the most suspicious person on the planet.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

Mz iMac — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 21:23:33 GMT

@depglass wrote:
I refuse to pay 6.50 a month for caller ID on our landline.

@depglass

I have triple play through Verizon FIOS. My landline is FREE including ALL international calls. The same setup w/Comcast. My mother has Comcast.

I have not had a phone bill since 1975.

With both of the above cable companies if you are watching tv, caller ID will show up in the corner of the tv screen. If the call is a scammer the word "SCAM" will appear.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

chickenbutt — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 21:53:09 GMT

@silkyk wrote:
@roster wrote:
Good information. But how about checking caller ID before picking up your phone.
Caller ID can be changed easily. I got a call from MYSELF the other day. Amazing! A few days later got one from DH who was sitting right there in the living room. They can make that ID say whatever/whoever they want so don't trust that for information about who the caller is!

Yeah, it's pretty bad when you have to block your own phone number. But I did and that hasn't happened since.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

froggy — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 21:58:11 GMT

Why even engage with these people? It's always a scam. Just block the number and hang up.

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

mintedrose — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 22:19:04 GMT

Wow! Its first time im hearing about this here. Just wondering if someone pretends to be your grandchild wouldnt you recognize their voice? how do they sound the same?

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

jackthebear — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 23:13:48 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I've heard it suggested that scammers pick up information needed to make these calls on social media, especially Facebook. If you tell the world all about your grandson, Johnny, you make it easy for them. Be careful what you post and perhaps check your privacy settings.

100%

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

jackthebear — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 23:16:24 GMT

good warning

but I never answer the phone the answering machine does a really good job for me