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- The Grandparent Scam is the same, but there’s a new twist.
- A grandparent will get a panicked call that the grandchild is in trouble and needs money.
- But scammers have cloned the grandkid’s voice using artificial intelligence.
If it wasn’t bad enough that scammers target grandparents, trying to pull on their heartstrings with a panicked call from a “grandchild” in trouble, now artificial intelligence is involved.
The Grandparent Scam is an old, existing one: The phone rings and someone says, “Grandma” or “Grandpa?” The grandparent will then say the name of a grandchild, which is the “in” for the scammer to get the unsuspecting grandparent.
The caller then usually has a story that the grandchild is in jail and needs money immediately. A variation is an “authority” or officer of some type calls about the grandchild.
A new twist on the Grandparent Scam
Of course, the caller says not to call the kids’ parents to verify anything because they don’t want them to know.
Over the years, I’ve talked to some savvy grandparents who suspected something was awry. One started talking in a foreign language that his grandson should know and when the caller couldn’t answer, he knew it was a scam. But plenty of grandparents have gotten scammed of money.
Now artificial intelligence has gotten involved, the Federal Trade Commission said.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer a far-fetched idea out of a sci-fi movie. We’re living with it, here and now,” an FTC consumer alert said. “A scammer could use AI to clone the voice of your loved one. All he needs is a short audio clip of your family member’s voice — which he could get from content posted online — and a voice-cloning program. When the scammer calls you, he’ll sound just like your loved one.”
Don’t trust the voice, the FTC advises. Call the person who supposedly contacted you and verify the story. Use a phone number you know is theirs. If you can’t reach your loved one, try to get in touch with them through another family members or their friends, the agency said.
Scammers prey on people’s fears of something happening to their loved ones or getting in trouble themselves. Don’t fall for calls that claim they are from the Internal Revenue Service, the sheriff’s office or other authorities who call claiming you owe some money right away.
Always use caution if you are being pressured for information or to send money quickly, the Federal Communications Commission posted in a similar alert. Scammers often try to bully victims into transferring money through a mobile payment app, by wiring money, or by purchasing gift cards or money orders. Some may even request to meet to receive money in person. If you get a call like this, hang up and report it immediately to local law enforcement.
Speaking of scams, here’s a few more scams that the Better Business Bureau of Akron is warning about:
Scholarship scams
Be on the lookout for scams asking for any money up front if you’re a student looking for grants and scholarships to fund college.
A con artist hooks victims with the promise of money; however, they often require upfront “fees” and then never actually follow through with the funds, the BBB said. In a recent twist, these scammers claim to help with student loan forgiveness. Students and their families should be wary of websites, seminars or other schemes that promise to find scholarships, grants or financial aid packages for a fee.
Scammers typically claim to represent the government, a university or a nonprofit organization. The scammer will pose as a financial aid representative using words like “national” and “federal” to sound more official. They claim you have won a scholarship or a grant (without ever applying) and ask for payment of a one-time “processing fee.” In another version, the scammer pressures you into applying for a “guaranteed” scholarship or grant. However, there is a fee to apply. Once the fee is paid, the money is never sent. When attempting to contact a representative, it is quickly discovered that the company has set so many conditions that it is almost impossible to receive a refund.
To protect students and parents searching for financial aid opportunities from falling victim to scholarship scams, the BBB recommends following these guidelines:
- Beware of unsolicited offers. Typically, winning a scholarship or grant that wasn’t applied for is impossible.
- Take your time. Use caution if a representative urges you to buy now to avoid losing an opportunity.
- Ask questions. If the company or seminar representative is evasive, walk away. Ask your guidance counselor or a college financial aid office whether they have experience with the company.
- Be skeptical of glowing success stories touted on websites or at seminars. Ask for the names of families in your community who have used the service in the last year. Talk to them and find out about their experience with the firm.
- Be aware that a check can bounce even after the bank allows cash withdrawal from the deposit. Check processing is a confusing business, as is the terminology. Even if a bank representative says that a check has “cleared,” it is not certain that it won’t be detected as a fake weeks later. One thing the account holder can be sure of is that they will be responsible for any funds drawn against the amount.
Home improvement scams
The BBB is also reminding people about home-improvement scams, especially after a major storm or weather event. Often, fly-by-night companies will come into a neighborhood after a storm and use high-pressure sales tactics, the BBB said.
Home improvement scams can start with a knock on the door, a flier or an ad. The contractor may offer a low price or a short timeframe. One common hook is when the scammer claims to be working in your neighborhood on another project and has leftover supplies.
Once started, a rogue contractor may “find” issues that significantly raise the price. If you object, they threaten to walk away and leave a half-finished project. Or they may accept your upfront deposit and never return to do the job. Following a natural disaster, scammers persuade homeowners to sign over their insurance payments.
Tips to spot this scam:
- Watch out for “red flags.” Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, handshake deals without a contract and on-site inspections. Not all “storm chasers” are con artists, but enough are that you should be cautious any time a home contractor contacts you first.
- Ask for references and check them out. Bad contractors will be reluctant to share this information and scammers won’t wait for you to do your homework. Get references from past customers, both older references to check on the quality of the work and newer references to ensure current employees are up to the task. Always get a written contract with the price, materials and timeline. The more detail, the better.
- Know the law. Work with businesses that have proper identification, licensing and insurance. Confirm that your vendor will get related permits and ensure you know who is responsible for what according to your local laws.
Consumer columnist Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or [email protected]
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