COLUMBUS – Seniors are a continued target for scam artists. Attorney General Mike DeWine recently issued
a reminder to older Ohioans to watch out for the grandparent scam, a costly telephone ploy in which con
artists pose as grandchildren in need.
Thus far in 2014, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office has received 22 complaints involving grandparent
scams. Most of those consumers report losing money, and losses range from about $1,000 to as much as
$8,000. Additional consumers have reported receiving the scam calls but refusing to send money.
In a typical scam, a grandparent will receive a phone call from someone posing as a grandchild. The
grandchild claims to be in trouble and in urgent need of money, maybe to pay a fine or to keep the
grandchild out of jail. The grandparent is asked to send money immediately, often out of the country,
using a prepaid money card or wire transfer. To stay out of more trouble with the parents, the caller
tells the grandparent not to call their mother or father.
Grandparents who send money likely will receive additional calls requesting more money. The scammer will
claim that more money is needed to help the grandchild return home safely.
Ohioans can keep the following tips in mind to help prevent becoming a victim of this scam:
• Anyone getting a call from a grandchild in trouble, ask questions only family members would know how to
answer. Ask about the last time they visited or their pet’s name – something the scam artists probably
won’t know.
•  Never wire transfer money to someone who calls unexpectedly.
•  Never buy a prepaid money card and give the card number to someone who calls unexpectedly.
•  Watch out for any unusual banking activity or receipts from wire transfer services among grandparents
or other family members.
•  Discourage family from posting any upcoming travel plans online.
Those who suspect a scam should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.