The Emergency Cash Phone Scam
Uncle, Send Money
Frank Long thought he was helping a nephew in need when he wired $2,800 to Toronto, Canada on Oct. 28.
The 75-year-old Whittier resident later found to his dismay that he fell for what authorities have called the "grandparent" scam. The crooks pretend to be relatives, usually a grandchild, in trouble and convince victims to send them money.
Swindled out of $2,900
Long actually lost $2,990 since he paid $190 to send the money. But he would have been out an additional $4,500 if an alert Wal-Mart employee hadn't questioned the transaction.
"I was hooked," Long said.
Seniors beware.
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