Scam Alert: Local Seniors Are Getting Calls Asking For Money

On July 21, an 85-year-old Temple Terrace resident received a call from his grandson, who told him that he’d been in Mexico City for a wedding.

While there, the grandson said, he had been involved in a car crash and arrested for DUI. He was stuck and needed $2,800. The grandfather wired the money via Western Union.

Later, he was undoubtedly surprised when he found out his grandson had been safe and sound at his Virginia home the whole time.

The call from Mexico City had been a scam.

“This scam has worked at least 3-4 times on our senior residents here in Temple Terrace,” said Tracy Mishler, community service officer with the . “There may be more victims since many people are too embarrassed to report these type of crimes.”

The man received another call from Mexico City later, and the person asked him for more money to pay for his “grandson’s” medical bills. By that time though, the man realized it was a scam and didn’t respond, Mishler said.

“Please, if you receive a telephone call similar to this, it is likely a fraud, and you should contact your local law enforcement agency,” he said. “DO NOT send any money.”