Woodard: Client scammed
Published 12:01 am Thursday, April 19, 2012
Andalusia attorney Allen Woodard said Wednesday he had a client victimized by the “grandparent scam,” recently.
Although the scam is not new, it is being presented in different forms as to trick the victim into sending money, he said.
The victim receives a phone call from the scammer pretending to be a relative in distress. The scammer requests money be sent to cover bail for an out or state or overseas arrest or accident.
The scammers will ask that the money be wired Western Union or Money Gram or a money order.
This time, Woodard said, the call came from Spain and the 70-year-old victim was told it was his granddaughter.
“He said it sounded just like his granddaughter,” Woodard said. “He wired the money out of Winn-Dixie, and the employees reminded him of the scams, but he said, ‘It’s my granddaughter.’”
Woodard said his client, who is on a fixed income, was out $2,100.
“The best practice is not to send anything to anyone,” he said.
It is suggested that one never send money based on a request made over the phone or email.
One should verify the identity of the caller and tell them you will call them back, as well contacting family members and verify the whereabouts of the relative in question.
If you question a call you have received, contact local law enforcement.