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Politics & Government

Fraud Alert: Are You Really My Grandchild?

Be careful when it comes to the "grandparent scam."

The past few months we have seen a dramatic increase in what has been referred to as the “Emergency Scam” or the “Grandparent Scam.”

Seniors—for the most part—are contacted, usually late at night, via telephone. Typically the caller starts the conversation by saying in a panicked tone of voice, “It’s Me.” The caller waits for the person who answered the phone to identify someone he or she knows, who is often a grandchild. The caller pretends to be the person who the “grandparent” identifies and proceeds to claim that they need money for an emergency situation. Reasons range from bail money, emergency medical care, car trouble or accident. The caller desperately claims that he or she needs the money wired immediately, and begs their “grandparent” not to contact other relatives because he or she doesn't want to “get in trouble” or they are “embarrassed.”

Once convinced, the victim is told to send the money via electronic transfer. Once money is transferred through a wire service the chances of getting it back are slim to none. 

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Ways to Protect Yourself

  • Resist the pressure to “act now.” Don’t panic.

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  • Anyone calling and asking for money in an "emergency" situation should be asked some questions to verify their identity – questions such as the name of their grade school, a pet’s name, or the name of another relative.

  • Be aware that this scam is happening and warn others as well.

  • Need help or have a question?

    Call MNSCAMS: 866-347-0911 or

    Rice County Attorney’s Office 507-332-5934 

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