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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,292
Registered: ‎03-19-2016

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

 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. 

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,773
Registered: ‎04-11-2010

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

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.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,181
Registered: ‎09-01-2010

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

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.   

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,000
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

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.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,939
Registered: ‎07-26-2014

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam


@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.

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."


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Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,648
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam


@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.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,808
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

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

Valued Contributor
Posts: 648
Registered: ‎03-04-2017

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

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? 

~No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted~ Aesop
Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,847
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam


@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%

 

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,847
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Avoiding Grandparents’ Scam

good warning

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