The grandparent fraud is making the rounds in our community this week. Here is how the grandparent fraud typically plays out works. You receive a call from someone pretending to be your grandchild. The person explains that he or she is in trouble, with a story that goes something like this, “There’s been an accident, I am in jail, in the hospital, stuck in a foreign country,” etc. The caller will state they need your help. The caller adds enough details about how, what, or where the emergency happened to make the story seem plausible. The caller is very convincing. You might even believe they sound like your grandchild. Next, they will ask for money and they will often tell you not to call their mom and dad or tell anyone else.
If you receive a call like this, stop and take a deep breath! Ask questions. Get a call back number. Then hang up the phone and call your grandchild or call your grandchild’s parents. Call another relative. Call the police. Confirm the story you have been told. Do not fall for this common scheme to separate you from your money.
Here is a link to some good information from the Iowa Attorney General about this common telephone fraud.
https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/general-consumer-information/phone-scams/grandparent-scam
If you have been the victim of this type of telephone fraud, you can report this fraud to your local law enforcement agency. In Marshalltown, call 641.754.5725. This is a 24/7 number.
For more information, please contact Police Chief Michael Tupper by calling 641.754.5771 or via email at mtupper@marshalltown-ia.gov.