ALERT - Rise in "Grandchild Emergency" scams

4:29p.m., Saturday, February 9, 2019

DRPS say "Grandchild Emergency" scam calls have increased recently. In this scam, a fraudster will contact a senior by phone and claim to be a grandchild who is in trouble. With great urgency, the victim will be instructed to send cash via money transfer. In a recent case, the victim was told by the "grandson" that he needed money that day as he had been charged for distracted driving.

The best way to protect yourself from this scam is to contact a family member to confirm the whereabouts of the loved one claiming to be in trouble. Never give out personal information, including banking, telephone number and address. Do not send money. Anyone with information about this type of incident is asked to call DRPS at 1-888-579-1520.