Ohio Attorney General\u2019s information<\/i><\/p>\n
COLUMBUS — In recognition of Grandparents Day this past Sunday, Attorney General Mike DeWine is reminding Ohioans to watch out for the grandparent scam, a costly telephone ploy in which con artists pose as grandchildren in need.<\/p>\n
Thus far in 2014, the Ohio Attorney General\u2019s Office has received 22 complaints involving grandparent scams. Most of those consumers report losing money, and losses range from about $1,000 to as much as $8,000. Additional consumers have reported receiving the scam calls but refusing to send money.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrandparents naturally want to help their grandchildren, and these con artists try to exploit that,\u201d Attorney General DeWine said. \u201cIf you get an unexpected call from someone who claims to be your grandchild or another relative who asks you to wire money to another state or country, contact another family member to verify the claim before sending any money.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a typical scam, a grandparent will receive a phone call from someone posing as a grandchild. The grandchild claims to be in trouble and in urgent need of money, maybe to pay a fine or to keep the grandchild out of jail. The grandparent is asked to send money immediately, often out of the country, using a prepaid money card or wire transfer. To stay out of more trouble with the parents, the caller tells the grandparent, \u201cPlease don\u2019t tell Mom or Dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grandparents who send money likely will receive additional calls requesting more money. The scammer will claim that more money is needed to help the grandchild return home safely.<\/p>\n
Ohioans can keep the following tips in mind to help prevent becoming a victim of this scam:<\/p>\n