DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Attorney General and Department of Public Safety released a statement warning about a wave of “Grandparent scams” that is affecting Iowans.

“Grandparent scams” are not new and have been a problem since at least 2008. However, the advancements in technology make it more difficult to detect and avoid these scams.

During a “Grandparent scam” the scammer will call the victim pretending to be a grandchild and claim there has been some kind of incident, often an accident, hospitalization, or imprisonment. They will then ask the Grandparent to send money to help them, some even sending an alleged “courier” to collect the money.

Advancements in technology have allowed these scammers to gain access to more detailed and private information about their victims and their families through social media. Some will work together with one person posing as the victim who needs help and another posing as a person of authority who can back up the claim, like a doctor or police officer.

“Scamming someone out of money is evil enough,” said Attorney General Bird. “But manipulating someone’s love for their grandchild shows just how low scammers will go to steal from you”

This scam is one reason why you should never share personal information, wire money, provide money cards, or bank account information over the phone.

Con artists who commit “Grandparent scams” often transfer the money abroad, making it nearly impossible to trace the money.

“In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever to double-check when someone calls asking for money and to never send it over the phone. If you or a loved one is suspicious of a grandparent scam, please call law enforcement,” said Bird.

The following tips were released by the Department of Public Safety and Attorney General Bird.

• End the call and verify the information.
• Contact family members on verified numbers to check out the story and verify the information, even if you are told to keep the call a secret.
• Verify that the person on the phone is a loved one by asking them questions only they would know.
• Don’t act quickly or secretly, take your time and verify all information before acting in fear.
• Report the incident to authorities so that they can warn others in the community, as these scams often target community members.
• File a complaint with authorities, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office.
• If they send someone to your home, don’t answer the door and do not give them money.

If you are suspicious of a “grandparent scam” contact your local law enforcement or the Iowa Attorney General’s Office at 1-888-777-4590.