The Lee’s Summit Police Department has taken several reports in the past month related to a bail money telephone scam that targets elderly residents. In each case the victim receives a telephone call from a suspect stating they are the victim’s grandson or granddaughter and they’ve been arrested in Canada and need bail money. The calling suspect in each case has used the actual name of the victim’s grandkids to entice them to wire money as soon as possible. In a couple of cases the victim was contacted a third or fourth time building on the original story by the suspect asking for more money or stating there are additional problems.
In each case the suspect uses a story which will play upon a grandparent’s emotion. The amount asked for by the suspect is usually over $2,000 and requested through Western Union. The suspect tells the victim they will call back later to get the wire transfer number. Once the suspect has the transfer number the money wired can be picked up at any Western Union outlet no matter where it was designated to be sent. With the additional calls for more money one victim was scammed for more than $4,500.00.
This particular scam primarily targets elderly victims but every resident should be aware to guard against becoming a victim and check with elderly family members. Families need to discuss and have a plan of action already established if such an ordeal was to occur. Ideas may be having a set code word used by family members over the telephone or redirecting the call to an adult family member better prepared to ask questions. The reports indicate that once the victim starts asking questions the suspects will hang up or state they have a bad connection or other reason to disconnect the call. Ask for location information and telephone numbers but don’t rely on the information as fact. The suspects will provide telephone numbers but most likely those numbers will be to accomplices ready to continue the scam.
If a resident receives a telephone call they believe is a scam they need to remember they have time on their side. If one believes the callers story and they are in jail then they’re not going anywhere and use the time to call other family members to confirm. The suspects will anticipate this as well and ask that you not because of their embarrassment. It is through the questions asked and the follow up which has helped some residents from becoming a victim.
If you feel you have become a victim and wired money but have not reported please contact your local police department and the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 1-800-448-1492.