Grandparents across the country are receiving calls from their grandchildren who are in trouble. They’ve been in an accident, or arrested and they need cash wired ASAP through MoneyGram or WesternUnion.

Only….. It’s a SCAM!

According to the Better Business Bureau, senior citizens must be on the watch for an emerging phone scam preying on grandparents nationwide.

Before wiring finds anywhere, check to be sure your grandchildren are safe. It sounds obvious, but call their parents. Talk to them on their cell phones. Send an email or text.

Above all, keep a cool head and don’t agree to wire funds anywhere until you know that your grandchild is in true trouble — and that you’re not the victim of the latest scam to go around town.

If you’ve been victimized by this, please report the incident immediately to local police departments and state Attorneys General offices. If there is a request to wire funds to Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre has established a PhoneBusters hotline and Web site.

www.phonebusters.com or toll-free 1-888-495-8501.

Published: Oct 12, 2008