Press Releases
For Release: Immediately 9/29/09
SAYWARD: BEWARE OF "GRANDPARENTS" SCAM IN NORTH COUNTRY
Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward (R,I – Willsboro) is alerting residents of a recent scam that is targeting North Country residents. The “Grandparents Scam”, has spread throughout the country and has already affected some residents of the North Country, conning them out of thousands of dollars.
According to reports, a couple in Malone was recently contacted by a person claiming their grandson had been arrested in Canada and needed help with bail and legal fees. The couple did not alert authorities or family members because the caller said the man “was too embarrassed.”
The couple wire-transferred over $7,000 to Canada before they realized they were being scammed.
There are a number of variations of this scam. Most often, callers claim an emergency situation facing a relative of the victim and have personal information about the family involved.
“With the Internet and new technology giving con-artists increased access to personal information, scams such as these are becoming increasingly prevalent,” said Sayward. “You should always verify information before sending money, and if you are victimized please alert your local police agency.”
Scams pop up more frequently around holiday season, so all New Yorkers should be wary of any emails or solicitations that they open and websites that they visit. The FBI’s website at: http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm contains information and allows you to sign up for alerts about new scams.
If contacted, alert local police immediately. You may also visit http://www.ic3.gov to report the incident to federal officials.
