‘Grandparent Scam’ Catches Up With Digital Age

Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Oregon Public Broadcasting

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A scam that has been making the rounds for a long time is catching up with the digital age by targeting seniors on social media.

The Portland Police Bureau reminds the public that the “grandparent scam” is still active in Oregon.

It’s been around for years and hooks seniors by using their grandchildren as bait: They’re in trouble, had an accident or are being detained in another country. The person on the other end of the phone line or email message urges the potential victim to wire money.

Recently, some scammers are hacking into social media accounts and sending direct messages to family or friends requesting money. By disguising themselves as a loved one, the scammers are better able to fool the victim.

Here are the Portland Police Bureau’s tips to avoid these scams:

This story originally appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting.

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