Crime Alert on grandparents scam

I've seen this one before but apparently it is making the rounds again. This is from the 5th precinct CPS.
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The City of Minneapolis has received reports from elderly residents who have been victims of a telephone scam.

This scam involves suspects posing as grandchildren who have gotten into trouble while traveling to Canada and need money wired to them immediately. Some of the scenarios that have been used are: car accidents, duty tax issues, and bail money. The amount of money asked for has ranged from $2500 to almost $9000. Sometimes the suspects have a second party standing by to pose as a bail bondsman or government official in case they are questioned by the victim.

The suspects often plead with the grandparents not to tell the parents out of embarrassment or fear of punishment. They prey on the love and generosity that the grandparents feel for their grandchildren.

If you or a loved one receives a phone such as this, don’t hesitate to question the party who is calling. Do not let emotions overtake sensibility. Some tips that can assist if you are confronted with a situation such this are:

1. Try contacting a family member who can confirm the story

2. Try to contact the grandchild at a number that you know is accurate such as a home or cell phone number

3. Ask questions which only a real grandchild would know the answer and be attentive to whether the caller is answering questions in detail or just guessing the answers

4. Refrain from mentioning other family members names or personal information

5. Remember that some impostors research the parties they are posing as and can answer basic questions about them

6. Do not wire any money until you are positive of the identity of the person calling you-there are no situations that cannot wait a few extra minutes to verify the identify the requestor

If you receive a fraudulent phone call, try to trace the number. You can initiate a trace by dialing *57 after you hang up. File a complaint with the police immediately.

Please pass this information on to anyone that may not receive the e-alerts or have access to a computer. Thank you.
From the 3rd precinct CPS. I've seen this one before but it appears to be making the rounds again.

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If you have any questions contact:

Amy Lavender

Crime Prevention Specialist

5th Precinct-Sector 3

3101 Nicollet Av.

Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 673-5407

amy.lavender@ci.minneapolis.mn.us