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Contact 6: Grandparents Scam
Contact 6: Grandparents Scam
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- FOX6's Contact 6 is issuing an alert regarding the "Grandparents Scam" -- saying even the smartest grandparent could fall victim!
"I got a phone call from someone who said he was my grandson, sounded exactly like him and said he was in Mexico and had some trouble and needed some money," Eleanor Reimer said.
Reimer went to the Post Office with $5,800 in cash. She prepared an Express Mail envelope and the postal worker at the counter gave her advice.
"He looked at me, you make sure you call before you send this," Reimer said.
Reimer tried to call her family, but didn't get an answer. Because time, she was told, was of the essence, she sent the package.
"The victim was very sweet and worried about her grandson`s well-being and making sure he got home safely," U.S. Postal Inspector Michelle Brooks said.
As it turns out, it was all a scam. Hours later, Reimer learned her grandson was not in trouble.
"I felt like I was a real idiot when I found out," Reimer said.
Then, she went to the police. U.S. Postal Inspectors used her tracking number and were able to intercept the package before delivery.
"We were able to help her get the money back," Brooks said.
Reimer's good fortune comes with a warning.
"Before you send any cash to anyone make sure you verify the story. Assume it is a scam until you know better," Brooks said.
These scammers use a variety of stories. Contact 6 advises warning grandparents of this scam.