Greg's Corner

The many faces of the emergency scam

By Greg Collier

Emergency scams, often referred to as ‘grandparent scams,’ are notorious for exploiting the deep concern and affection people have for their loved ones. These scams rely on the urgency of a fabricated crisis, preying on the fear that someone close to you is in immediate danger. Traditionally, these scams have targeted older adults, but a new and unsettling twist has emerged: scammers are now going after the parents and families of college students.

The mechanics of the scam remain deceptively simple. It begins with a call, email, or social media message from someone pretending to be a close relative or friend in distress. The scammer creates a convincing narrative, claiming to be in a dire situation, such as being arrested, involved in an accident, or facing a sudden medical emergency. To make their story more believable, they often include specific details like family names, school affiliations, or even recent travel plans.

The classic grandparent scam follows a similar pattern, where a scammer impersonates a grandchild in trouble and begs the grandparent to quickly wire money. By the time the grandparent realizes they’ve been duped, the money is long gone. In some variations, the roles are reversed, with the scammer pretending to be a grandparent seeking help from a grandchild, adding another layer of complexity to the con.

This newer version of the scam has specifically zeroed in on the parents of college students. In these cases, a scammer contacts the parent, posing as an authority figure or even the student themselves, claiming that their child has been arrested and needs immediate bail money. The scammer might send a fake mugshot or suggest that the child is in imminent danger of being placed in jail alongside dangerous criminals. Overcome with fear and panic, many parents rush to send money through payment apps like Venmo or PayPal, only to discover later that they have been deceived.

What makes these scams even more insidious is the use of voice cloning technology. Scammers have begun to mimic the voices of loved ones by using audio samples found on social media or other online platforms. This technology allows them to create a convincing imitation of the person they’re impersonating, making the scam even more terrifying. While some voice clones are rudimentary, others are so sophisticated that they can easily fool even the most cautious individuals.

To protect yourself and your family from falling victim to these scams, it’s crucial to take a moment to verify the situation, no matter how urgent it seems. If you receive a distressing call or message, resist the impulse to act immediately. Instead, contact your loved one directly using a known phone number, rather than relying on the number provided by the scammer. It’s important to be aware of what information and images your family members share online, as scammers often use these details to build a convincing story. Advising your loved ones to use privacy settings on social media can also help reduce the risk.

If you’re ever asked to send money through a payment app or wire transfer, make sure to double-check the situation before taking any action. In the unfortunate event that you realize you’ve been scammed, it’s essential to report it to the police right away. Additionally, if a scammer claims someone will come to your home to collect money, do not answer the door; instead, contact the authorities immediately.

Emergency scams are designed to manipulate our deepest fears and love for our family members. By staying vigilant, verifying suspicious contacts, and educating others about these scams, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from these cruel and deceptive tactics.