Grandparent Scam Targeting Elderly Americans

SOURCE www.npr.org
25 Canadians charged in a multimillion dollar 'grandparent scam' targeting elderly Americans nationwide. Scheme involved pretending to be relatives in need of bail money. Suspects operated from call centers in Montreal. Victims were persuaded to give money that was later transmitted to Canada. Scammers arrested in Canada after extensive cooperation between local and federal agencies in both countries.

Key Points

  • 25 Canadians charged in connection with the scam
  • Scheme involved pretending to be relatives in need of bail money
  • Scammers operated from call centers in Montreal
  • Victims were persuaded to give money that was later transmitted to Canada
  • Scammers arrested in Canada after extensive cooperation between local and federal agencies

Pros

  • Extensive cooperation between local and federal agencies led to the arrest of scammers
  • Awareness being raised about grandparent scams

Cons

  • Hundreds of elderly victims defrauded out of millions of dollars
  • Sophisticated tactics used by scammers, including AI voice cloning