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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on July 24, 2026 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bail bonds scam ( 8 ), bail scam ( 17 ), grandparent scam, inmate scam ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,690 )   

  The Jail Bail Scam: Criminals Are Now Targeting Parents of Inmates 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Most people have heard of the grandparent scam.

  A scammer calls claiming a grandchild has been arrested and urgently needs bail money. The victim is pressured to act quickly before speaking to anyone else, and by the time they realize it was all a lie, the money is gone.

  Now scammers have found a way to make that same scam far more convincing.

  Instead of pretending someone’s loved one is in jail, they’re targeting parents whose adult children actually are behind bars.

  That one crucial difference makes the scam much harder to recognize.

  The Call Every Parent Dreads

  According to authorities in Michigan, a father recently lost $5,500 after receiving a call from someone claiming to help secure his son’s release from jail.

  The story sounded believable because his son really had been arrested.

  The only problem was that the caller claimed the son was being held in the wrong county jail.

  Believing he was helping his child, the father handed over thousands of dollars before discovering it was all a scam.

  His son had never been where the caller claimed.

  How the Scam Works

  Unlike the traditional grandparent scam, this version starts with real public information.

  Arrest records and jail bookings are often public. Scammers appear to be monitoring those records, identifying newly arrested individuals, and then contacting worried family members before they have time to verify anything.

  The caller may claim to represent:

  • A bail bond company
  • Pretrial services
  • The jail
  • Another official agency involved in the release process

  Because the family already knows their loved one has been arrested, the story immediately sounds credible.

  The scammers then invent a new fee or obstacle that must be resolved before the inmate can be released.

  Victims are told that time is running out and that immediate payment is required.

  Just like countless other scams, urgency is the weapon.

  They Even Use Real Company Names

  Perhaps the most disturbing part of this scam is that the criminals aren’t simply inventing fake businesses.

  In some cases, they are using the names of legitimate bail bond companies and even real employees.

  One parent received a call from someone using the name of an actual bail bondsman.

  Fortunately, instead of trusting the incoming call, the parent contacted the company directly.

  The business confirmed that while an employee with that name did exist, he had never made the call.

  That simple phone call prevented another victim from losing money.

  Why This Scam Works

  Parents naturally want to help their children, even when they’ve made mistakes.

  Scammers understand that emotions override caution.

  If someone believes a payment could mean getting their son or daughter released sooner, they may not stop to question whether the request makes sense.

  The criminals also know that families may be unfamiliar with how the bail process works, making it easier to invent fake fees, additional holds, or last-minute complications.

  By creating confusion and urgency at the same time, they convince victims to act before verifying the information.

  Red Flags

  If someone contacts you about a loved one in jail, be cautious if they:

  • Demand immediate payment.
  • Claim a new fee has suddenly appeared.
  • Say your loved one will remain in custody unless you pay immediately.
  • Ask for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.
  • Tell you not to verify the information with anyone else.
  • Pressure you to stay on the phone while making payment.

  Legitimate officials and licensed bail bond companies do not discourage you from independently verifying who they are.

  How to Protect Yourself

  If you receive one of these calls:

  Contact the jail directly:
  Use the jail’s publicly listed phone number, not the one provided by the caller.

  Call the bail bond company yourself:
  Never trust an incoming call simply because the caller ID or employee name appears legitimate. Look up the company’s official phone number independently and verify everything.

  Don’t rush:
  Scammers depend on panic. Taking even a few minutes to verify the situation can prevent thousands of dollars in losses.

  Talk to another family member:
  A second opinion can often spot warning signs that someone under emotional stress may miss.

  If You’ve Already Paid

  If you believe you’ve been targeted:

  • Contact your bank or payment provider immediately.
  • Report the fraud to local law enforcement.
  • Notify the Federal Trade Commission through ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Contact the legitimate jail or bail bond company involved so they know scammers are using their name.

  Acting quickly may improve the chances of stopping additional fraudulent transactions, although recovery is never guaranteed.

  Final Thoughts

  This scam demonstrates how criminals continue to refine old schemes instead of inventing entirely new ones.

  The grandparent scam has been around for years. By simply changing one detail and targeting parents whose children have actually been arrested, scammers have made it significantly more believable.

  It’s another reminder that scammers don’t need to create convincing stories out of thin air. Sometimes all they need is publicly available information and a family already under stress.

  Whenever someone contacts you demanding money to help a loved one in custody, pause before paying.

  One phone call to the jail or the bail bond company could save you thousands of dollars.

   

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  Greg Collier 9:00 am on January 16, 2026 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: grandparent scam, rideshare ( 6 ), Scams ( 1,690 ), shooting ( 6 ), Uber ( 26 )   

  How a Phone Scam Led to a Deadly Encounter 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In March 2024, a familiar financial scam escalated into a fatal act of violence in central Ohio, leaving an innocent bystander dead, an elderly man imprisoned, and the perpetrators of the fraud untouched by the justice system. The case illustrates how modern scams can produce real-world consequences far beyond financial loss and how those consequences often fall on people who were never the intended targets.

  The Scam

  Authorities say the incident began as a classic grandparent scam, in which fraudsters contact an older adult and falsely claim that a loved one has been arrested and urgently needs bail money. The callers allegedly pressured the victim with threats and urgency, convincing him that immediate payment was required.

  In this case, the scammers arranged for a rideshare driver to retrieve the money. Using Uber drivers as unwitting couriers has become a recurring tactic in such schemes, allowing scammers to distance themselves physically and legally from the transaction.

  The Encounter

  The rideshare driver, Lo‑Letha Toland‑Hall, a 61-year-old woman from a Columbus suburb, arrived at the home of William J. Brock, then 81 years old, to pick up a package. Investigators later determined that she was unaware of the scam call Brock had received and believed she was completing a routine delivery.

  According to prosecutors, Brock wrongly assumed the driver was involved in an attempt to rob him. The situation escalated rapidly. Brock confronted the driver, and during the encounter, he shot her multiple times. Dashcam footage and investigative findings indicated that the driver was unarmed and posed no immediate threat.

  Toland-Hall died from her injuries.

  The Legal Outcome

  Recently, a jury convicted Brock, now 83, of murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping. Jurors deliberated for approximately one hour before returning the verdict. Brock’s defense argued that he acted in self-defense, citing fear generated by the scammer’s threats. Prosecutors rejected that claim, emphasizing that the victim was an innocent third party.

  Following the verdict, Clark County Prosecutor Daniel Driscoll noted that the case produced multiple victims.

  “The really sad part about this is that we know there are still criminals out there,” Driscoll said. “We know that the scammers, the folks who started this, haven’t been brought to justice.”

  One year after Toland-Hall’s death, her estate filed a wrongful-death lawsuit seeking damages. Brock is scheduled for sentencing.

  The Larger Problem

  While Brock now faces prison, the individuals who orchestrated the scam remain unidentified and uncharged. This imbalance is common in fraud cases: scammers often operate anonymously, across jurisdictions, or from overseas, while the harm they cause unfolds locally and immediately.

  The Ohio case underscores several realities of modern fraud:

  • Scams can escalate into physical danger, not just financial loss.
  • Third parties, including rideshare drivers, delivery workers, and bank employees, may be placed in harm’s way without their knowledge.
  • Victims may act out of fear, especially when scammers use threats involving family members or law enforcement.
  • Scammers frequently avoid accountability, even when their actions directly contribute to injury or death.

  A Preventable Tragedy

  Law enforcement officials consistently advise that individuals who receive threatening or urgent demands for money should not attempt to resolve the situation themselves. Instead, they recommend contacting police or verifying claims through independent channels before taking action.

  This case offers a stark reminder that scams are not victimless crimes. Their ripple effects can be deadly, leaving families grieving, communities shaken, and justice only partially served. Meanwhile, the people who initiated the harm disappear back into anonymity.

  Further Reading

  • Ohio man, 83, convicted of killing Uber driver who he wrongly thought was robbing him after scam calls – CBS News
  • Uber driver killed during scam – Greg’s Corner
  • Family of dead Uber driver files lawsuit seeking justice and accountability – ABC 6
  • Uber is helping investigators look into account that sent driver to Ohio home where she was killed – KSAT
   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on August 13, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: emergency scam ( 5 ), family emergency ( 7 ), grandparent scam, Scams ( 1,690 ), Uber ( 26 )   

  $5M Grandparent Scam Busted by Uber 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Federal prosecutors have charged 13 individuals in connection with what authorities describe as a large-scale “grandparent scam” operation that targeted elderly victims across the United States, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. According to investigators, the scheme operated primarily out of organized call centers in the Dominican Republic and relied on a network of people in the U.S. to collect and move the stolen funds.

  The fraud typically began with a phone call to an elderly person from someone posing as a grandchild in distress. Victims were told stories involving accidents, arrests, or other emergencies requiring immediate cash. Once convinced, the targets were connected to another caller pretending to be a lawyer who demanded large sums of money for bail or legal fees. Funds were often picked up by “runners,” who in many cases were unsuspecting Uber drivers. The drivers were contacted with fabricated stories about transporting important documents or helping family members, without knowing they were being used in a criminal operation.

  The use of Uber drivers in such scams has drawn increased attention, as drivers themselves have become secondary victims. In one tragic 2024 incident in Columbus, Ohio, a driver was killed by someone who had been targeted in a similar scheme. Uber’s security team ultimately identified suspicious activity and reported it to the FBI, leading to changes in driver training and fraud detection protocols to help prevent similar situations in the future.

  Authorities estimate that the average age of the victims in this case was 84 and that total losses exceeded $5 million. Many of the affected individuals are unlikely to recover their money, and officials believe the true number of victims is higher due to underreporting caused by embarrassment or shame. Federal investigators have urged anyone who believes they may have been targeted to contact the Justice Department for assistance and guidance on prevention resources.

  Charges in this case include conspiracy to commit mail fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. While several defendants are in custody, others remain at large in both the United States and the Dominican Republic. This case underscores both the vulnerability of elderly populations to high-pressure fraud tactics and the need for ongoing vigilance to protect individuals from exploitation. It also serves as a reminder that those unknowingly used as intermediaries, such as ride-hailing drivers, can suffer devastating consequences despite having no involvement in the criminal intent.

  Although this investigation focused on an operation allegedly run from the Dominican Republic and affecting many victims in Massachusetts, similar scams have been carried out from other countries and within the United States itself. Criminal groups often adapt their tactics to target vulnerable populations wherever they believe they can succeed. That means this type of fraud could just as easily affect elderly residents in any state, city, or neighborhood, particularly in communities where isolation or limited familiarity with modern communication tools makes people more susceptible.

   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on March 28, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: arrest scam ( 4 ), family emergency ( 7 ), grandparent scam, inmate scam ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,690 )   

  Scam Uses Real Arrests to Trick Parents 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An Oregon couple narrowly avoided becoming the latest victims of a scam that blends old tricks with a disturbing level of real-time sophistication. The incident highlights an almost ingenious evolution of the so-called “family emergency” or “grandparent” scam, long used by fraudsters to extract money from vulnerable individuals.

  The couple received a phone call from a man claiming to be a law enforcement officer with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. He said their adult son had been arrested earlier that day and was in need of financial assistance to secure his release. Specifically, the caller claimed money was needed for a court-approved ankle monitor and treatment costs. The urgency, coupled with precise details, made the call seem credible.

  Moments after hanging up, the couple checked the public jail roster and discovered that their son had indeed been taken into custody for drug possession that same morning. The confirmation appeared to validate the caller’s story, nudging them closer to compliance.

  What followed was a sophisticated con that preyed on a parent’s instinct to protect. The impersonator explained that payments could not be made directly to the sheriff’s office, but instead had to be delivered in cash to a third-party vendor. He gave them a location, which turned out to be a 7-Eleven convenience store.

  Only then did the alarm bells finally ring.

  Instead of following through, the couple contacted law enforcement and reported the encounter. Investigators say this case stands out for its timing and apparent access to fresh booking information. While jail rosters are publicly accessible, they are not easily searchable by arrest date, raising questions about how the scammers identified and targeted the couple so quickly.

  Officials from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed a handful of similar reports in recent weeks. Though the tactics vary, the consistent element is an opportunistic focus on families reeling from a recent arrest. By exploiting raw emotion and pairing it with believable details, scammers are bypassing many of the usual red flags.

  Law enforcement reiterated that they never call individuals to request money for release programs, ankle monitors, or treatment services. The agency also stressed the importance of verifying any unexpected request for money through official channels.

  This case underscores a disturbing new phase in financial fraud, one that leverages emotional vulnerability and up-to-the-minute public records. It is a stark reminder that even the savviest individuals can be manipulated when real fear intersects with convincing lies.

   
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  Greg Collier 9:00 am on March 5, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Canada ( 3 ), grandparent scam, Scams ( 1,690 ), Vermont ( 2 )   

  Grandparent Scam Busted: $21M Fraud Exposed 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A recent federal indictment has brought attention to a sophisticated and deeply troubling scam targeting older Americans. Authorities in Vermont have charged 25 individuals in connection with a nationwide ‘grandparent scam’, which defrauded seniors of more than $21 million. This scheme, orchestrated from call centers in Canada, manipulated victims into believing their loved ones were in urgent legal trouble, prompting them to send large sums of money.

  The grandparent scam preys on emotions, using fear and urgency to override rational thinking. Callers often pose as a grandchild or another close relative, claiming to be in distress, frequently citing an arrest or legal issue requiring immediate bail money. The scam is effective because it exploits a grandparent’s instinct to help their family without hesitation. Criminals use personal details obtained from social media or other sources to make their deception more convincing. Once a victim agrees to send money, the funds are often funneled through complex laundering operations, sometimes involving cryptocurrency, making recovery nearly impossible.

  In this particular case, a federal grand jury in Vermont unsealed an indictment charging the suspects with fraud and money laundering. The charges stem from an operation running between 2021 and mid-2024, during which call centers in and around Montreal targeted seniors across the United States. Law enforcement agencies in both countries collaborated to dismantle the network, with Canadian authorities raiding multiple locations where some of the accused were caught in the act of making fraudulent calls. The case highlights the scale of the problem, with victims spanning Vermont and over 40 other states.

  Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of public awareness as a defense against such scams. Older adults and their families can take proactive steps to prevent falling victim. One of the most effective strategies is verifying any distress call before taking action. If someone claiming to be a relative calls asking for money, the best response is to hang up and contact the supposed family member directly. Scammers rely on panic and urgency, so taking a moment to confirm the facts can prevent financial loss. Additionally, setting up family code words can help authenticate real emergencies.

  Government agencies and consumer protection organizations urge the public to remain skeptical of unsolicited calls requesting money. It is essential to educate seniors about these tactics and encourage them to consult a trusted friend or family member before responding to urgent financial requests. Law enforcement continues to investigate and prosecute those behind these frauds, but the best protection remains awareness and vigilance.

  The Vermont indictment serves as a reminder of both the persistence of fraudsters and the power of international cooperation in bringing them to justice. While some of those charged face significant prison sentences, the real victory will come when potential victims recognize these scams before any money is lost.

   
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  Greg Collier 9:00 am on January 23, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: family emergency ( 7 ), family impersonation scam ( 4 ), grandparent scam, Scams ( 1,690 )   

  The Grandparent Scam: A Costly Lesson in Trust 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Nestled in the serene community of Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, California, a gated haven for retired adults, the unthinkable happened. For the second time in just four months, a senior resident fell prey to the cruel scheme known as the ‘grandparent scam’. This deceptive tactic preys on the trust and love that grandparents hold for their family, exploiting their vulnerability in the guise of an urgent family emergency.

  The scam begins with a heart-wrenching phone call. The voice on the other end, remarkably convincing, claims to be a grandchild in dire trouble. The story is always urgent and emotionally charged. An arrest, a car accident, or another dire scenario requiring immediate financial help. This time, it was a tearful tale involving a car accident, an injured pregnant woman, and a desperate need for bail money. The imposter even enlisted an ‘attorney’ to bolster the credibility of the story, weaving a web of urgency and fear.

  One victim, caught in this web, recounted her ordeal. The voice, which mimicked her grandson’s perfectly, left no room for doubt. Following the caller’s instructions, she withdrew $7,500 in cash, wrapped it in decorative paper, and handed it over to a courier who had somehow bypassed the community’s gate security protocols. The incident didn’t end there. Hours later, the scammers called back, requesting an additional $5,000 for supposed damages.

  Banks, often the last line of defense in these scams, raised red flags. Employees asked probing questions and even verified the presence of a companion in the car, but the victim, following the scammer’s explicit instructions, deflected their concerns. Fearful of jeopardizing her grandson’s situation, she fabricated a cover story to explain the large withdrawals.

  The scam unraveled only when a family member intervened, recognizing the fraudulent nature of the calls. The realization was devastating. The victim, like many others before her, was left reeling. Not just from the financial loss, but from the emotional toll of being manipulated through love and fear.

  Such incidents underscore the importance of verification. Law enforcement officials urge caution when receiving urgent calls involving financial demands. A simple call to other family members can verify the authenticity of the claim. Creating a family-specific password for emergencies can also thwart scammers who rely on secrecy and haste.

  The grandparent scam is a poignant reminder of the lengths to which scammers will go to exploit trust. While the financial losses are significant, the emotional betrayal often cuts deeper. By fostering open communication and practicing healthy skepticism, families can protect their loved ones from falling victim to these heartless schemes.

   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on September 30, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Coinstar ( 2 ), cryptocurrency ( 65 ), grandparent scam, Scams ( 1,690 )   

  Grandparent Scam: One Woman’s $50,000 Loss 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In Rossmoor, California, an 83-year-old woman found herself the victim of a devastating scam, losing nearly $50,000. It all started with a late-night phone call she believed was from her distraught grandson, setting off a chain of events that would drain her savings. Now, she shares her story to warn others about the dangers of emotional manipulation and the irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions.

  The woman was at home when her phone rang. On the other end, a man claiming to be her grandson was crying and distressed. He told her he had been arrested after driving the wrong way on a one-way street and hitting another car. He begged her not to tell anyone and to help with his bail. Caught up in the emotion and urgency of the call, she promised to help.

  What followed were multiple trips to Coinstar machines at local supermarkets. Coinstar machines, once limited to exchanging loose change for cash or store credit, now also allow customers to purchase various cryptocurrencies. The woman withdrew cash from her bank and fed thousands of dollars into the machines, following instructions from the person on the phone, who guided her through the process of converting the cash into cryptocurrency. Over several days, she was manipulated into sending nearly $50,000.

  Scammers rely on emotional manipulation, and this case was no different. The initial call wasn’t enough. Each time the woman thought she had done enough to help, she received another call demanding more money, first for bail, then for additional charges related to the accident, and finally for attorney’s fees and court costs.

  At each step, she ignored warnings from well-meaning bank managers, a shopper, and even the Coinstar machine itself, which prompted her to stop if she thought she was being defrauded. The fear of abandoning her grandson and the emotional manipulation kept her going.

  It wasn’t until the woman finally texted her actual grandson that the truth hit her. He responded casually, unaware of any accident, and she realized she had been scammed. By then, it was too late. The funds had already been transferred, and because cryptocurrency transactions are virtually irreversible, there was no way to recover the money.

  As more scams involve cryptocurrency, it’s important to understand the risks associated with these transactions. Companies like Coinstar have safeguards in place, such as multiple warnings during the transaction process, but once funds are sent, they can’t be retrieved. The irreversible nature of cryptocurrency is one of its defining features, and it’s why extreme caution is necessary when sending money this way.

  In situations where a loved one is supposedly in legal trouble, always verify the information through official channels. Rather than acting on the word of the caller, contact the family member directly, or speak with local authorities to confirm the story. If someone claims bail or legal fees must be paid in an unusual manner, like cryptocurrency or through a Coinstar machine, it’s almost certainly a scam. Legitimate legal processes don’t involve such methods of payment.

  Being cautious of unknown phone numbers is another key step. If a call comes in from an unfamiliar number, especially one claiming urgency, consider hanging up and calling the loved one directly to verify their safety.

  For anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they believe they’ve been contacted by a scammer, it’s crucial to report the incident to authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI. Quick reporting can assist in preventing further losses and help authorities track these criminal activities.

   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on August 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bail scam ( 17 ), emergency scam ( 5 ), family emergency ( 7 ), grandparent scam, Scams ( 1,690 )   

  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.

   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on July 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bail scam ( 17 ), grandparent scam, impersonation scam ( 213 ), Scams ( 1,690 )   

  Police warn of phone scam targeting the elderly 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The Chesterfield County, Virginia, Police Department is alerting the community about a troubling cell phone scam after an elderly couple fell victim to it earlier this week. In this case, the scammer posed as the attorney of the couple’s great nephew, leading to a significant financial loss for the unsuspecting victims.

  The caller informed the elderly couple that their great nephew had been involved in a car accident, resulting in the death of his passenger. The scammer then claimed that the nephew was in jail and required bail money. Under this false pretense, the couple was instructed to withdraw a substantial amount of money from their bank and wait at home for further instructions.

  The couple withdrew the money and returned home. Shortly after, someone arrived at their house to collect the money and took it to an unknown location. Often, the person collecting the money is an unwitting rideshare driver, making the scam not only financially devastating for the victims but also dangerous for the driver. We’re reminded of the Uber driver who was shot and killed by a scam victim earlier this year.

  These types of scams, known as grandparent scams, specifically target older individuals due to their trusting nature. Scammers exploit this trust, leading victims to act on the false information before verifying it.

  To avoid falling prey to such scams, verification is crucial. If you receive such a call, contact your relatives directly to verify their situation. Additionally, be cautious of unknown phone numbers and do not feel obligated to answer them.

  The Chesterfield Police Department shared essential tips with residents to help them avoid being scammed. A lawyer will not call you from jail to get someone out, especially if they just got arrested, nor will they send a courier to pick up bail money. Your family members should be able to make a phone call to you. A lawyer or bondsman will not be at the jail with them.

  If someone you know has been arrested and calls you, they will use a system that identifies them as an inmate at that facility. Always verify the identity of the caller by asking specific questions.

  Scammers are convincing and use scare tactics. If you feel uncomfortable, hang up the phone. Couriers are often unaware they are involved in a scam. If one shows up, call the police. No legitimate entity will ask for payment in cash, gold, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

  Lastly, Let unknown calls go to voicemail. If it’s important, they will leave a message.

   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on May 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: grandparent scam, rideshare ( 6 ), Scams ( 1,690 ), seniors ( 10 )   

  Rideshare driver thwarts grandparent scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the routine of driving for rideshare services. But for a Lyft driver based in North Carolina, one particular ride turned into a harrowing experience that shed light on a pervasive scam targeting older adults, the grandparent scam.

  The driver received a request to pick up a woman, who claimed to be picking up important paperwork from a home in Pamlico County. Little did the driver know, she was about to be unwittingly drawn into a scheme that preys on the vulnerability of older individuals.

  Upon arriving at the passenger’s home, the driver encountered a 79-year-old man who seemed distressed and shaky as he attempted to count out a substantial sum of cash. His story unfolded as the driver listened in disbelief. Earlier that day, the man had received a call from someone claiming to be his grandson, alleging he was in trouble and needed bail money. The caller claimed to have suffered a broken nose, stitches in his lip, and a broken leg from a car crash. Additionally, authorities discovered an open bottle of alcohol in his vehicle.

  Believing the voice on the other end of the line, the grandfather rushed to withdraw $6,500 from his bank, which he entrusted to the driver to deliver to the supposed authorities.

  As the driver embarked on their journey, a series of red flags began to unfurl. The woman’s insistence on tracking her movements, coupled with the urgency of the situation, raised suspicions in the driver’s mind. Sensing something amiss, they made the courageous decision to intervene, reaching out to the man’s actual grandson, who revealed he was safe and sound, far from any jail cell.

  What the driver uncovered was a classic case of the grandparent scam, a nefarious ploy that preys on the love and concern of grandparents for their grandchildren. The perpetrators, armed with personal information gleaned from social media and sophisticated technology, exploit the trusting nature of their victims, leaving devastation in their wake.

  Despite their misgivings, the driver bravely stepped forward, urging the rideshare service to take proactive measures to educate drivers about the signs of potential scams and provide support in navigating such situations.

  This incident further highlights the danger often faced by rideshare drivers at the hands of scammers. Just last month, an 81-year-old man from Ohio tragically shot and killed an innocent Uber driver, mistakenly believing the driver was involved in a grandparent scam. In similar scenarios, other unsuspecting rideshare drivers have been confronted by law enforcement officers who mistakenly assumed the drivers were the perpetrators, especially after they had picked up money from the scam victims.

  The experiences of drivers like the North Carolina driver underscore the urgent need for rideshare services to take proactive measures in recognizing and addressing scams. As vital members of their communities, rideshare drivers often find themselves on the front lines of these schemes, unwittingly entangled in fraudulent activities. By implementing robust training programs, providing real-time support, and fostering open communication channels, rideshare companies can empower their drivers to identify and respond effectively to suspicious situations.