It’s called the “grandparent scam.”
According to a release last week from Attorney General John M. Formella’s office, it involves a phone call or email from someone posing as a relative, particularly a grandchild. The scammer pretends to be in trouble, often claiming to have been arrested in another state or country, or impersonates a law enforcement officer claiming to have arrested the relative.
According to Formella’s office, the victim is often told not to talk about the incident, and the intent is to secure money so the “relative” can be “released.” In at least one recent case, Formella’s office reports that the victim was swindled out of a substantial amount of money.
In its warning, Formella’s office notes that legitimate law enforcement officers will never issue “gag orders” over telephone or by email, demand immediate payment for the release of a relative or ask for personal identifying information.
This is not the only scam of its kind. With tax season coming up, the IRS warns of criminals posing as agents trying to acquire money or personal information, even though agents will never call to demand immediate payment, and would instead mail a bill to anyone who owes taxes. Agents will also never threaten to bring in the police or law enforcement, demand payment without providing a chance to appeal or question the amount owed or call unexpectedly about a refund.
Hearing about a relative in trouble or a tax problem can be scary, and that’s what scammers are preying on. Don’t be fooled. The best thing to do in either case is not engage with the caller and hang up immediately.
Formella’s office also recommends calling local police and reporting the scam to the AG’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (888) 468-4454, by email at doj-cpb@doj.nh.gov or doj.nh.gov/consumer/complaints.
People can report IRS scams to tigta.gov, calling 800-366-4484 or reporting the number to phishing@irs.gov with “IRS Phone Scam” in th e subject line.