In this case, the perpetrators presented themselves as the victim's grandson. They advised the victim that he was outside the country and involved in a crash were another party was involved in the crashed and was killed. They then said he needed the money wired immediately to assist with legal fees, etc.
In most cases involving "Grandparent Scams", the
perpetrator often calls a grandparent or other relative pretending to be
his/her grandchild/niece/nephew, etc. The caller sounds upset and typically
states there are only a few moments to talk. Callers may say that they have a
cold if you don't quite recognize their voice, or cue-in on feedback from the
call to sound even more convincing (scam victims often report being sure they
were talking to their actual relative, but it's a clever trick!). Their story
generally follows a familiar line: they were traveling in another country with
a friend, and after a car accident or legal infraction, they are in jail and
need bail money wired to a Western Union account as soon as possible for their
quick release.
Sums can vary from several hundred to several thousand
dollars, sometimes over the course of two or three calls. In some instances, a
second scammer calls back later pretending to be a law enforcement official or
attorney, to confirm the story or ask for additional money. They may even claim
to be employees of a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas!
Should you be targeted in this type of scam, there are
actions you can take to protect yourself. Although the supposed grandchild may
plead with you not to tell his/her family, you should immediately reach out to
parents or other relatives to verify the information you receive. In the vast
majority of cases, the real relative is safely where (s)he should be - at work,
school or home.
If you have had similar experiences you should call your local authorities immediately.
If you have had similar experiences you should call your local authorities immediately.