Minnetonka Police Issue Scam Alert for Local Seniors

According to Minnetonka Police, a new scam has emerged that targets local senior citizens.  

In recent months, scammers have reportedly been calling the homes of elderly, claiming to be a grandchild in urgent need of money due to an accident, an arrest or another problem. The caller then asks the grandparent to wire money, sometimes to a foreign country.

"The con artist exploits the love and generosity of the grandparent by pretending to be a grandchild in trouble," said a statement from the office of Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson. "By claiming that they are embarrassed or there is no time to talk to others, the con artist tries to dissuade the grandparent from contacting the grandchild’s parents or friends."

According to officials, some con artists may go as far as investigating the identity of the grandchild before making the initial phone call. They said that the involvement of a family member, an immediate need for money, and a request for secrecy are all hallmarks of this scam.

Minnetonka Police offer the following tips to avoid being a victim of 'The Grandparents Scam':

• Verify the caller’s identity.
• Resist the pressure to act quickly.
• Do not wire money unless you have confirmed its recipient.

Minnetonka Police are also distributing an informational flyer (PDF document attached in this article) that further explains the scam. They are encouraging Minnetonka residents to share this news and information with their elderly neighbors. 

State officials also want Minnetonka residents to remember that wired money is often impossible to retrieve once it's picked up at the other end.