Grandparent Scams | Fraud is on the Rise

Author

Lori Williams - Senior Services

Posted on

Sep 04, 2022

Book/Edition

Texas - Dallas, Collin, SE Denton & Rockwall Counties

Grandparent Scams and Fraud are on the RISE!

 

Fraud is on the rise, and one of the most popular scams is the Grandparent Scam. This scam hit close to home when my step-father, who lives in Mississippi received an odd call from a man claiming to be my son. The caller had greeted him with, “Hi Grandpa, it’s Chris. I’ve been in a car accident, I’m bleeding and in jail. I need you to call my lawyer.” The caller sounded a bit like my son, but it made no sense that he would be calling his grandpa two states away for help. I checked in on my son, who was sound asleep in his bed and had not been in an accident. My step-father had been the target of a Grandparent Scam!

 

Grandparent Scams involve an imposter posing as a grandchild who is in trouble: they’ve been in an accident, or arrested. Once they have the grandparent concerned and ready to help, they hand the phone off to another scammer posing as a police officer or lawyer who then will make arrangements to have the grandparent wire money to them.

 

This scam is on the rise, but you can protect yourself by following these 5 tips:

 

1) Set privacy settings on your social media accounts.

 

2) Ask questions that only your grandchild could answer.

 

3) Tell the caller you will call them back, then call your grandchild’s cell number.

 

4) Contact other family members to verify the story.

 

5) Trust your gut instinct.

 

Fraud targeting older people should be reported to the FTC at 877-382-4357.

 

Article submitted by Lori Williams with Lori Williams Senior Services


CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LORI WILLIAMS SENIOR SERVICES

Other Articles You May Like

Cory St. Aubin: A Beacon of Inspiration at HarborChase of Plano

Cory St. Aubin: A Beacon of Inspiration at HarborChase of PlanoCory St. Aubin, a distinguished figure at HarborChase of Plano, has recently been featured in the Plano Star Courier's "Plano Women of Inspiration" series. Known for her natural ability to encourage and inspire, Cory is passionate about seeing women thrive across various industries. Her dedication to the growth and well-being of the Plano community is rooted in her own upbringing and the impactful mentorship she received.A Legacy of EncouragementGrowing up in Plano, Cory was fortunate to be mentored by Emily Watson, a figure who profoundly influenced her approach to life and career. Emily challenged Cory not just to think outside the box, but to live outside it. This philosophy has become a cornerstone of Cory's professional and personal endeavors.Im a natural encourager and love seeing women thrive in their industry. I grew up in Plano and was blessed to have been mentored by Emily Watson, who challenged me to not just think outside the box but live outside the box, Cory shared in her interview with the Plano Star Courier.Fostering Growth in PlanoCorys career, which began in Plano, is marked by a continuous effort to build relationships and seize opportunities within the city. Her deep connection to the community has driven her to contribute significantly to its growth and well-being.When asked about her involvement in the Plano community, Cory emphasized the importance of authenticity and relationship-building. I advise women to keep it real and not take themselves too seriously. Create and nurture meaningful relationships that inspire women to excel, grow, and push the limits of success, she advised.Impactful Community EngagementOne of Corys notable contributions is her work with the Alzheimer's Association. Over the past few years, she has been instrumental in spreading awareness and education about Alzheimer's disease. A particularly memorable event was "Mapping the Journey," which brought together hundreds of people in Plano to foster education, awareness, and a sense of community around this critical issue.Seeing so many come together with one mission was significant, Cory reflected, highlighting the power of community collaboration.Inspiration and FaithCory credits her faith and the support of key individuals for her commitment to community service. As a woman of faith, I am thankful to the Lord for the gifts that he has placed in me and the open doors he has provided to continue to make an impact in my community, she expressed. Looking ForwardAs Cory looks to the future, she remains open to new adventures and opportunities to serve her community. Who knows what new adventure awaits me, but rest assured I will be ready, she said, embodying the spirit of a true Woman of Inspiration.Cory St. Aubins journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, faith, and community engagement. Her story continues to inspire many in Plano and beyond, as she remains dedicated to fostering growth, encouraging others, and making a lasting impact. For More Information on HarborChaseof Plano Click HERE.  Author: Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN | Publisher, Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas

We are a Veteran-Owned Business Proud to Serve our Community

Veteran-owned HomeWell puts veterans first, offering exceptional in-home care that honors their service and values.As veterans, we understand the importance of protecting the well-being of others. Our service-driven approach is rooted in the values of perseverance, respect, dignity and honor as we aid families in need, support fellow veterans and help our community thrive through exceptional in-home care services. Committed to providing you with the peaceful retirement youve earned.The retirement years of those who have served should be marked by dignity, comfort and belonging. However, for veterans whose years of service are etched with valor and sacrifice, life as a citizen can prove challenging. Depending on their experiences, the transition to normalcy and everyday life can be a long-term endeavorone that continues well into their senior years.At HomeWell, weve found that the comfort of home can make all the difference for our esteemed soldiers who seek to age gracefully. For these individuals, maintaining autonomy is not just a preference; its a testament to the resilience that defines them. By bringing care directly to their doorstep, senior veterans can enjoy the familiarity of their own space while receiving the individualized care they need. Our role in veterans care:Our service-driven approach is rooted in the values of perseverance, respect, dignity and honor as we support veterans and their families, ultimately helping our community thrive through exceptional in-home care services. We thoughtfully consider the individual needs of each veteran entrusted to our care to develop a highly personalized plan that takes into account their physical, mental and emotional well-being at home.We also extend a helping hand to veterans and their families as they navigate their finances. We understand that paying out of pocket often hinders them from pursuing non-medical home care. However, if your loved one is enrolled in health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or has a monthly VA pension, they may be eligible to receive coverage for assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) at HomeWell.  If you or an aging loved one are considering Veterans Care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX  today. Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.

HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX Shines Our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!

This month, we shine our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!Jerry is a senior living professional with over 35 years of sales, marketing, operations, and management experience. He is a servant-driven leader focused on helping his clients live their best lives by understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.Jerry most recently worked in Senior Living as a Community Sales Director and Executive Director for many years before joining HomeWell Care Services in June of 2022 as the Community Relations Manager serving the North Dallas area.His responsibilities include creating positive brand awareness, networking with professional organizations, building relationships with senior living communities, churches, rehabilitation centers, adult senior centers, hospitals, and more that will result in long-lasting community partnerships, and keeping our home care services top of mind within the community we serve.Thank you, Jerry, for being an amazing professional. You are an asset to our companys continuing growth and make a difference in the lives of your clients and HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX! If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today!Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.