Phone call from family? WAIT! Verify before you believe
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A new warning for families—this disturbing scam is targeting your loved ones
Criminals are preying on seniors in a shocking scheme designed to steal their life savings.
Authorities have uncovered a massive fraud operation, and the details are even more chilling than you might expect.
Here’s what you need to know to protect your family from becoming the next target.
The scheme, known as the "grandparent scam," involves scammers posing as desperate family members in distress.
These fraudsters call unsuspecting grandparents, claiming that their grandchild has been arrested and urgently needs bail money.
To make their deception more believable, some even impersonate attorneys, convincing victims that their loved one is in serious legal trouble.
Calls are disguised to look like they’re coming from the US, adding another layer of deception.
Victims are instructed to hand over large sums of money to fake bail bondsmen who show up at their doors.
Scammers claim that additional bail money is required, extracting even more cash.
Within the criminal operation, scammers refer to high-paying victims as "whales."
The stolen money is funneled back to Canada, sometimes through cryptocurrency, making it harder to track.
During searches of multiple call centers, authorities found scammers actively making fraudulent calls to elderly victims.
Of the 25 individuals charged, all but two were arrested in Canada.
The remaining fugitives, Gareth West and Jimmy Ylimaki, are accused of running the scam’s call centers and are still on the run.
The remaining defendants could face up to 20 years if convicted.
Prosecutors have sent a clear message—preying on the elderly will not go unpunished.
In April 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported 101,000 elder fraud complaints, resulting in $3.4 billion in losses.
Experts believe the true numbers are even higher, as many victims are too ashamed or afraid to report these crimes.
The GrayVine is committed to helping families stay informed and safe.
Here are five key steps you can take to protect seniors from falling victim to scams:
Read more about how to avoid USPS scam texts or know why the FCC is warning homeowners about a dangerous mortgage lending scam.
Have you or a loved one been targeted by a scam like this? What steps do you take to protect your family from fraud? Join the conversation in the comments and help spread awareness to keep seniors safe.
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Criminals are preying on seniors in a shocking scheme designed to steal their life savings.
Authorities have uncovered a massive fraud operation, and the details are even more chilling than you might expect.
Here’s what you need to know to protect your family from becoming the next target.
The grandparent scam: How it works
Federal prosecutors have charged more than two dozen Canadian nationals in a widespread scam that has stolen over $21 million from elderly victims across 40 states.The scheme, known as the "grandparent scam," involves scammers posing as desperate family members in distress.
These fraudsters call unsuspecting grandparents, claiming that their grandchild has been arrested and urgently needs bail money.
Manipulating emotions to steal money
The scammers don’t stop at just a phone call.To make their deception more believable, some even impersonate attorneys, convincing victims that their loved one is in serious legal trouble.
Calls are disguised to look like they’re coming from the US, adding another layer of deception.
Victims are instructed to hand over large sums of money to fake bail bondsmen who show up at their doors.
Repeat targets and secret transactions
Once a grandparent falls victim, they are often targeted again.Scammers claim that additional bail money is required, extracting even more cash.
Within the criminal operation, scammers refer to high-paying victims as "whales."
The stolen money is funneled back to Canada, sometimes through cryptocurrency, making it harder to track.
Major arrests and ongoing investigation
Law enforcement agencies in the US and Canada worked together to take down this operation.During searches of multiple call centers, authorities found scammers actively making fraudulent calls to elderly victims.
Of the 25 individuals charged, all but two were arrested in Canada.
The remaining fugitives, Gareth West and Jimmy Ylimaki, are accused of running the scam’s call centers and are still on the run.
Serious consequences for scammers
West, Ylimaki, and three others are facing up to 40 years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.The remaining defendants could face up to 20 years if convicted.
Prosecutors have sent a clear message—preying on the elderly will not go unpunished.
Financial scams against seniors are rising
The grandparent scam is just one example of the growing threat of financial crimes targeting older Americans.In April 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported 101,000 elder fraud complaints, resulting in $3.4 billion in losses.
Experts believe the true numbers are even higher, as many victims are too ashamed or afraid to report these crimes.
How to protect your loved ones
The GrayVine is committed to helping families stay informed and safe.
Here are five key steps you can take to protect seniors from falling victim to scams:
- Talk to your family – Have open conversations about AI voice scams, emphasizing the importance of skepticism and always verifying unexpected calls.
- Set up a family safe word – Choose a secret phrase and establish a clear process for using it in emergency situations.
- Stay ahead of scammers – Regularly update your security practices, monitor emerging scam tactics, and remind loved ones to stay cautious.
Stay informed about more scams
At The GrayVine, we make sure you’re updated on the latest scams so you can spot red flags before it’s too late.Read more about how to avoid USPS scam texts or know why the FCC is warning homeowners about a dangerous mortgage lending scam.
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