Thousands lost in 'Grandparents Scam'

WAKE COUNTY (WTVD) -- "Grandma, it's me and I need help." It sounds innocent, but it's that phrase that is catching seniors off guard and causing thousands of dollars in losses.

It's an old scam, but con-artists continue to trick people in what's known as the Grandparents Scam.

For years, scammers have attempted to exploit the love grandparents have for their grandchildren.

The North Carolina Attorney Generals Office issued an alert on this scam after seeing a significant uptick in these scams, particularly in Wake County.

Just this week, Attorney General Josh Stein's office said they received a half-dozen reports on the scam.

In a recent case, the Attorney Generals Office said, the caller claimed they were leaving a funeral with friends when their car was involved in an accident.

After being arrested for DUI or possession of drugs, they need money to post bail. Then another person takes the phone claiming to be an attorney or law officer.

They instruct the frightened grandparent on how to send the needed funds, usually via Wal Mart or Sam's Club gift cards or by sending cash via UPS or Fed Ex.

A spokesperson for the Attorney Generals Office said in three instances this month, grandparents fell victim to the scam, losing a total of $44,900, adding in 2017, 32 victims have lost more than $184,000.

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I have warned you about this scam before.

In one case, a Triangle grandmother lost close to $4,000.