Law enforcement officials have reported that a new “Grandparent Scam” was recently used in the city. Al though this scam has been occurring across the country for several years it only recently surfaced here, according to Captain Tina Montoya.

In October 2009 one resident fell victim to the scam when a female called the elderly victim posing as her niece.  This “niece” said that she was in Canada, had been involved in an accident and she was in desperate need for money.  The victim was urged to wire $1,000.00 to Canada via Western Union and the caring aunt willingly did so.  After sharing this incident with a friend, the victim was notified of the “Grandparent Scam” and urged to call her niece to verify receipt of the money.  Upon calling her niece the victim learned that her niece was not in Canada nor had she called to ask for financial assistance.

Another senior resident contacted the police department to report that she had received a similar call from someone posing as her grandson.  Though the caller sounded like her grandson and carried on a conversation with the resident as though he knew about the family, the resident didn’t fall for the scam.  Instead this resident stated that she would call his mother to relay his need for money.  Unsurprisingly, the caller ended the phone conversation.  The resident later learned that her grandson had not called requesting money.

“Unlike most scams that promise something for nothing this one targets the love and concern of senior family members.  Family members want to help their loved ones.  However, before sending money to anyone it is important to verify the information to avoid becoming a victim” Montoya said in a press release.
Monterey Park police asked residents to  consider the following when contacted via telephone or e-mail by someone claiming to be a family member in need:
Do not volunteer information such as a name of a family member that you may believe is at the other end of the line.  The more personal / family information you accidently divulge the better their chances to scam you.

Keep in mind that scam artists can easily obtain personal information via newspapers, web sites, family blogs, and social networking sites.
Do not give into the urgency to wire money to the person in need.

Be leery about the need to wire money to Canada or other foreign locations.

Verify the call for financial assistance by contacting another family member or by personally calling the family member claiming to be at the other end of the line (do not ask the caller for a call back number).

For further crime prevention information contact the Monterey Park Police Department Community Relations Bureau at (626) 307-1215 or visit our website at www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us.