AVOID THIS SCAM

Crime alert: Grandparent Scam  Posted: Thursday, February 9, 2012

 

            In  the  past two weeks there have been four reports to police of Minnetonka residents  losing money to a telephone scam. This scam is referred to as “The Grandparent Scam” that typically targets elderly people. The scam involves a phone call where the caller is claiming to be the grandchild and in urgent need of money due to an accident, an arrest or other problem. The caller will ask the grandparent to wire money to a foreign country and many grandparents that are eager to help put aside their reservations and fall victim to this scam. In most of the cases, the victims have used  wire  transfers  to send thousands of dollars to the caller believing they were helping their grandchild when in fact they are sending their money to a con artist.

 

Tips to avoid this scam:

Verify the caller’s identity; contact a family member who could confirm the caller’s story. Try contacting the real grandchild at a number you know is accurate.

 

Resist pressure to act quickly: 

This scam depends upon a relative’s compassion for someone outweighing any concern about potential scams. The  various  excuses created by fraudsters almost always involve an emergency and a desire for secrecy.  Fraudsters ask for secrecy because they know if you contact another family member, you will become aware of the scam.

You should only wire transfer money if you are certain of the caller’s identity:

Particularly  if  the  caller  wants  you  to wire the money to a foreign country. Remember, if you wire money, it may be impossible to retrieve the money once it is received at the other end.  Therefore,  the  money  is virtually untraceable, and law enforcement agencies have little success in recovering wired funds.

If  you  receive a fraudulent phone call like this, you should promptly call the police.

If you have information:

These cases are currently under investigation by the Minnetonka Police Department. If you have information about these crimes, please contact Detective Terri Swanson at 952.939.8561 or tswanson@eminnetonka.com.

Mark D. Raquet, Chief of Police, February 9, 2012

FAVORS FOR NEIGHBORS

Favors for Neighbors: No Fees

     Broken chair?  Beloved coffee table messed up in the move?  Need a little step to help you reach the microwave?  These and other chores that most of us are not equipped to handle are routine to our woodworkers in residence.  Same applies for fixing TV’s and electronic devices.

     None of our artisans will accept payment their work, but many of us still would like to show our appreciation.  Well, now you can.  Eldore Nash, Resident Council Treasurer, has established a fund where small contributions may be made.  These funds will be used to replenish supplies and equipment.  Thanks go out to Glenn Nelson, Don Eckenrode and Roger Meyer and all the others who contribute their talent toward helping neighbors.