Instances of older adults being tricked into sending money under the guise of assisting a grandchild or other relatives in distress are becoming increasingly common. While it might seem baffling to fall for such schemes, evolving technology has made it easier for scammers to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
Protecting oneself involves understanding the tactics of fraudsters, recognizing warning signs, and relying on one’s instincts to avoid becoming a victim of these malicious scams.
How Grandparent Scams Operate
Fraudsters manipulate the goodwill of individuals by falsely claiming that a grandchild or relative is in trouble, either through an accident, legal issue, or financial distress. They then request money to supposedly alleviate the apparent crisis.
For years, scammers have exploited social media platforms to gather personal information and facts, allowing them to contact older relatives. Whether through text, email, or phone calls, these criminals convincingly pose as a distressed relative, utilizing the acquired details to create a believable narrative.
The Influence of Artificial Intelligence
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have empowered scammers to further enhance their deceitful tactics. By employing A.I.-powered voice cloning software, these criminals can replicate a relative’s voice, often sourced from social media videos. This manipulative technique aims to make their pleas for financial aid sound authentic. To intensify the illusion, scammers frequently use a “spoofed” phone number that appears on the caller ID, displaying the relative’s name, contributing to the perceived legitimacy of the call.
Identifying Warning Signs
Thankfully, several measures can prevent falling victim to such scams. The United States Postal Inspection Service® suggests the following steps to protect against these predatory tactics:
- Late-night calls: Scammers frequently target victims during the night, hoping to catch them off-guard. If you receive such a call, inform them that you’ll return the call shortly. Take the time to fully wake up, collect your thoughts, and contact your relative using your usual communication method. Do not return the call received from the scammer.
- Urgent appeals for money: Be cautious of urgent requests for money, even if the caller sounds familiar. Scammers exploit fear to dissuade you from thinking critically. If asked for money immediately, disconnect the call. Contact your loved one through your usual means or consult other trusted family members.
- Unusual payment methods: If instructed to transfer money via unconventional methods such as mobile payment apps, wiring money, sending gift cards, or other unfamiliar payment methods, be wary. Once money is sent using these methods, it is challenging to recover. If asked to meet in person to provide cash, disconnect the call and report the incident to law enforcement.
By being alert and following these preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these distressing and manipulative scams.
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