Amarillo Police are warning residents about a telephone scam circulating throughout the area.
The scam is usually referred to as the "grandma scam" and often time targets elderly people. In the scam, a con artist makes a phone call to a victim and pretends to be a grandson in an emergency situation where money is needed immediately. The emergency is usually a car accident or being arrested.
The caller may pretend to be in Canada or New Mexico and convinces the victim to send money by wire transfer. Recent cases have shown the victim sent money from $900 to $7000.
Once the money is sent to the con artist, it cannot be traced. Some cases have shown that the criminal will call and ask for even more money as a lawyer or bondsman.
Police explain that these criminals are skilled and identify themselves only as "your favorite grandson." Many times the criminals call with real named and information about family members to make their stories sound real.
Because these cases are often led to other countries, it becomes difficult to resolve the cases. Recent victims have been 64-84 years old. A 34-year-old man was also targeted.
If you are sending money, police say to verify the emergency contact by contacting other relatives. Police also say if you receive a call like this, to hand up. Reports can be made with Amarillo Police if money is lost.
