Watch out for the Grandparent scam

A busy travel season often presents opportunities for scammers to attempt the so-called “grandparent scam.” Better Business Bureau warns consumers to keep their guard up as COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed and travel increases. It’s important to recognize the signs that someone is attempting to scam you, including a request for you to send money by Western Union, MoneyGram or a prepaid card, because a family member has been arrested, mugged or hospitalized. The caller may attempt to sound frantic to scare you into believing them. If you get such a call, don’t send money in any form. Ask for a phone number to call the person back and check with relatives to confirm the location of the person in question. According to the Better Business Bureau consumers nationwide have reported nearly 600 “family/friend emergency” scams to BBB Scam Tracker in the last three years.