Among Friends

[Vivian]

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.

[Luvtuna]

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.

[roster]

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

[Kachina624]

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.

[Anonymous032819]

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.

[Love my grandkids]

@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.

[Nightowlz]

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.

[silkyk]

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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!

[Vivian]

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,

[freakygirl]

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.