Arizona Seniors Scammed by "Fake Grandchildren"

Originally posted by the Associated Press, October 23, 2010

Arizona authorities are warning seniors about a scam in which thieves pose as grandchildren over the phone and ask for bail money.

The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office reported Saturday that three such scams have occurred since September last year.

The most recent was on Oct. 18, when a 75-year-old Cottonwood man got a call from a woman who identified herself by name as his granddaughter, told him she had been arrested in Canada and that she needed bail money.

Shortly after, someone who said they were a police sergeant called and told the man to wire $5,600 in bail money to a contact in Florida. The man followed the instructions but later found out his granddaughter never had been arrested and was safe at her home in Utah, and he was out $5,600.

Sheriff's spokesman Dwight D'Evelyn said two similar incidents occurred in September last year.

He said such scams are difficult to investigate because suspects usually live outside the U.S. and throw out cell phones before they can be traced.

D'Evelyn said detectives believe whoever is responsible uses social networking sites, such as Facebook, to identify family members through profiles and photos. In some cases, people write about travel plans and specific family information, making schemes much easier.

He warned people to tell their parents and grandparents about the scheme, and that any requests for money to be wired should be seen as a red flag.

"Remember, these suspects specifically target seniors who may be more trusting and cooperate quickly out of concern for their jailed' loved one," D'Evelyn said.