1. GrandparentGrandparent
ScamScam
Information from the
Tri-State Better Business Bureau Foundation, Inc.
Evansville, Indiana

2. !
WHAT to knowWHAT to know
and do to avoidand do to avoid
falling victimfalling victim

3. 1. An older person, probably a1. An older person, probably a
grandparent, answers a phone call.grandparent, answers a phone call.
2. The caller says, “grandma, it’s2. The caller says, “grandma, it’s
me!”me!”
3. Grandma replies, “Matt, is that3. Grandma replies, “Matt, is that
you?”you?”
SCENARIOSCENARIO

4. ““Yes, it’s me. Matt.”Yes, it’s me. Matt.”
HOOKEDHOOKED
This is when the grandparent,This is when the grandparent,
influenced by an emotional responseinfluenced by an emotional response
to help the grandson, may feelto help the grandson, may feel
convinced this is a genuine requestconvinced this is a genuine request
from a loved one, instead of anfrom a loved one, instead of an
attempt by a scam artist.attempt by a scam artist.

5. RESPONSERESPONSE
What we’ve heard from manyWhat we’ve heard from many
grandparents is that they didn’tgrandparents is that they didn’t
think. They simply acted in order tothink. They simply acted in order to
help their grandson.help their grandson.
In just a few minutes, however,In just a few minutes, however,
they could have confirmed thethey could have confirmed the
legitimacy of the claim:legitimacy of the claim:

6. Ask, “what is your name?” What areAsk, “what is your name?” What are
your parents’ names?your parents’ names?
Don’t offer any specific information.
Ask another question only yourAsk another question only your
grandson would know. (“What did I givegrandson would know. (“What did I give
you last year for your birthday?)you last year for your birthday?)
At this point, a scam artist will probablyAt this point, a scam artist will probably
realize you aren’t an easy targetrealize you aren’t an easy target
and will hang up! But there’s more…and will hang up! But there’s more…

7. One of the most effective ways we canOne of the most effective ways we can
help protect our community from scamhelp protect our community from scam
artists is to spread the word:artists is to spread the word:
1. CONTACT YOUR BBB
2. CONTACT LOCAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT
3. TELL YOUR FRIENDS
AND FAMILY