Among Friends

[bowlicious]

My brother in law got that call and was told to go to Wal-mart and send money. When he got to WM the lady behind the desk told him it was probably a scam and told him to call his son in law. When he did his son in law was at work and everything was fine. Thank goodness for the lady at Wal-mart.

[Still Raining]

Once years ago I got such a call from SIL, and yes he wanted money and a tire was involved.  I still tease him.

[lovesrecess]

This scam has been around for years. Am surprised it is still out there. I think I would know my grandkids’ voice immediately, but maybe if I didn’t talk to or see them very often it might not be as easy. I guess a nickname would be good.

[lovesrecess]

My kids all had a password they knew from the time they were old enough to remember it. They are grown and still know the password. If a person they don’t know says I sent them or wants money for me, they ask for the password, if the person can’t give it, they are history. I originally did it because it was suggested by our police dept due to a rash of child abductions, but it has been used for lots of things.

[jackthebear]

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@mintedrose wrote:

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? 

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it's been around for years

[jackthebear]

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@depglass wrote:

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.

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isn't it included in most plans by now

I got caller ID as it was available years ago 20? the money we ever spent and that was back when you needed a device.  

[ScrapHappy]

My Aunt received a call saying her Grandson, who was in the military at the time and overseas, was in trouble.  Jail or something like that.  The guy calling said he was his friend and military buddy and that he tried calling his parents but can't get hold of them and it's urgent....wanting money.  The caller knew a lot...names, places, towns, people...etc.  My Aunt was just about to go get money when she decided to go to her son's job.  It all turned out to be a scam.  Luckily she didn't send any money.

[Shepherd]

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@silkyk wrote:

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@roster wrote:

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

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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!

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Why would you pick up the call?

[123SuzyQ123]

When I got that call a few years ago, my only grandson was only 5 years old.  So, when the caller said "hi Grandma, I'm in jail, can you send me bond money to get out?"    I simply said "Sorry, my grandson is only 5 years old, and he better NOT be in jail!"    And the guy hung up!   I do know an 84 year old relative that DID fall for it though, she said it sounded  exactly like her oldest grandson!

[RedTop]

This scam is definitely still around because older people still fall for it.   My 86 year old mother is no longer able to comprehend the complexity of telephone fraud, and preying on the elderly.   She only answers calls from me, or my brothers, period, even if the caller tries to bait her by saying her first name.   

My 3 Grandma calls came up on caller ID with a common name and number.   I have no grandchildren, have never done Facebook, and there is very, very little information about me on the internet.   

None of the calls were very clear; not muffled, but more distant and filtered.  Each voice was what I described as a common male voice; no accents, no outstanding characteristics in the speech pattern, etc.   The volume and tone stayed very even, no excitement, just "hey Grandma, it's me; how are you?"  Then was silence as the guy waited for me to respond, which I did in a tone as loud and angry as my words.   

I can understand why older people like my mom who are not familiar with phone scams fall for this.   Any scammer who can get access to a mailing list of senior citizens can hit the jackpot with calls using the words Grandma, or Grandpa.   In our situation, we reminded mom her grandchildren have a very unique name for her, and NONE of them would EVER ask her for money in person, let alone call her.