Grandparents losing up to $10K in phone scam, AG warns

COLUMBUS

State Attorney General Mike DeWine is reminding grandparents and families to be aware of the grandparent telephone scam.

Typically, a grandparent will receive a phone call from someone posing as a grandchild. The phony grandchild claims to be in trouble and in urgent need of money, maybe to pay a fine or a lawyer. The grandparent is asked to wire money immediately, often out of the country. The scammer asks the grandparent to “please don’t tell Mom or Dad.”

So far this year, the Attorney General’s Office has received about 50 complaints from victims. The average amount reported to have been lost is about $5,000, but some people report losing $10,000 or more. Dozens of other Ohioans report being targeted by the scam but not sending money.

DeWine urges victims of this or any scam to file a complaint with his office by calling 1-800-282-0515 or by visiting www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.