Scammers are again manipulating Arkansans with the “favorite grandson” scam, claiming to be the person’s grandchild who is in serious trouble or injured and need money wired immediately.
If the resident sends money, it’s often sent to a location outside of the United States, according to a news release from Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
“Unfortunately, wire transfers are similar to cash, meaning that if the victim is tricked and does send the money, there is often no way to get the money back,” according to the release.
These criminals prey on older Arkansans by calling and impersonating a favorite grandchild or close relative. The scammers play on emotions and can be extremely convincing, according to the release.
“These thieves are taking advantage of good people who love their families,” Rutledge said. “Grandparents should know that when they receive a call from someone claiming to be a grandchild in desperate need of quick cash they should do as President Ronald Reagan suggested and that is ‘trust but verify’ and in this instance, verify with another family member before sending money.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Rutledge offered the following tips to avoid falling victim to the “favorite grandson” scam:
• Resist pressure to act quickly.
• Never give or wire money based on any unsolicited phone call.
• Verify the family member’s location by directly calling another family member or the grandchild.
• Don’t send money to an unknown account or entity.
• Ask the caller for his or her name, and if they cannot provide it, hang up immediately.
• Have a plan in place when family members are traveling so that you can easily identify whether or not a need is genuine.
The Attorney General’s office reports elderly Arkansans have lost thousands of dollars after falling for this scam. According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than 400,000 imposter scams were reported last year. It is important to inform others and stay alert.
People who have been victims of this scam should call the Attorney General’s office. For details and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at 800-482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.