New Phone Scam Targets Grandparents

There is yet another phone scam out there and this time it's targeting grandparents. 

Ulster County seniors are being warned of "phony" emergency calls asking grandparents to wire money to help a grandchild who is "in trouble".

According to the Ulster County District Attorney's Division of Consumer Affairs, there are several warning signs of the grandparent scam:

•  An urgent call for financial help with an emergency such as a car crash, medical emergency or trouble with the law
•  A request to send money by wire transfer via Western Union or MoneyGram
•  A request to keep the call confidential

Grandparent scam con artists sometimes trick their victims into mentioning names or they might already have information taken from social media sites like Facebook.

They intentionally try to get their victim confused and anxious and they can be quite accomplished.

If you receive a call of this nature, be sure to ask questions to verify the caller's identity. Call parents or other family members, and try to speak to your grandchild.

Don't be rushed, and certainly don't wire money. Wiring money is like sending cash and is impossible to recover.

Never give your banking or credit card information over the phone.

Consumer Affairs can be reached at (845) 340-3260