Grandparent scam hits state
The Washington Attorney General’s Office is warning people about the “grandparent scam,” where cons posing as relatives try to convince elderly victims to wire cash to help pay for emergency car repairs or medical bills — or even post bail.
A man contacted the Attorney General’s office after his 87-year-old mother nearly fell for the scam. The woman received a call this week from a young man who said, “Hi, this is your grandson. I’m in trouble.” The caller spun a tale about wrecking a car in Canada and needing $3,000 immediately.
The grandmother became suspicious, ended the conversation without giving any personal information and promptly called her family. Her grandson was safe at home.
Con artists tend to target elderly people who might have trouble recognizing voices over the phone. Because the con artists usually claim to be embarrassed and ask to keep the incident a secret, victims neglect to verify the story before sending money.
The Attorney General’s office recommends against filling in the blanks for the scammer. For example:
Caller: “It’s your granddaughter.”
Grandparent: “Which one?”
Most likely, the con artist will then hang up.
Do whatever is necessary to confirm the real relative’s whereabouts.
Don’t send money unless you have verified that your relative is really in trouble. If a caller asks for your bank account number or urges you to send money via Western Union or MoneyGram for any reason, that’s a good indication of a scam.
Timberbowl Rodeo rides this weekend
The 47th annual Darrington Timberbowl Rodeo is at 1 p.m. today and Sunday, three miles west of Darrington on Highway 530.
Sponsored by the Darrington Horse Owners Association, the event attracts rodeo fans and contestants from throughout the state.
Correction
Snohomish’s festival, Kla Ha Ya Days, takes place Thursday through Sunday next week, July 17 through 20. The Family Fun column in Friday’s A&E section gave the wrong days. The annual city party features a street fair, frog-jumping contest, car show and plenty of food and festivities. For more information, call 360-348-2296.
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