Seniors: Steer Clear of Granny Scams

Kudos to Edythe Kirchmaie, who, at 105, is the oldest registered user to embrace Facebook, the nation's most popular social media site. Although Facebook gives seniors like Edythe an outlet to stay in touch with friends and family and reconnect with people from their past, sharing personal information in a forum like Facebook is not without consequence, especially for people in this age group who are prime targets for  savvy internet con artists who prey on the elderly. One such scam that seniors and their family members need to be aware of: The "granny scam".

The "granny scam" or "family member in distress" scam takes advantage of seniors by playing on their sympathies. Typically, the con artist takes personal information from an elderly person's Facebook page and contacts them masquerading as a loved-one in trouble and in dire need of fast cash. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that 60,000 complaints about this type of fraud were filed last year.

How can seniors and their families steer clear of the "granny scam"? Here are some helpful tips:

• Recognize that the scam exists.
• If someone calls claiming they are a family member, ask them detailed questions that only a true family member would know.
• Verify the caller's story by calling another relative who should know the caller.
• Check the caller's phone number. Calls originating from another country should be a "red flag". 
• Tell the caller you are going to hang up and call them right back at their home or cell number. If they really are a relative, you should have their contact information on hand. If the relative answers, verify the story.
• Have another family member verify the story, no matter how convincing or desperate the caller may be. 

If it's too late and you've already fallen victim to the scam, notify the police immediately. If you've sent a check, call the bank and initiate a stop payment.  If a wire transfer has been sent, notify the company to let them know what has happened. They may be able to contact authorities and apprehend the con artist while he or she is attempting to pick up the money. Lastly, contact the three major credit bureaus and tell them that your identity has been compromised.

For up-to-date information on scams like the "granny scan" visit the FTC's identify theft website: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts.