- The grandparent scam is the same, but there’s a new twist.
- A grandfather gets a panicked phone call that his grandson is in trouble and needs money.
- But the scammers cloned his nephew’s voice using artificial intelligence.
If it wasn’t bad enough that scammers were targeting grandparents, trying to tug at their heartstrings with a panicked call from a “grandchild” in distress, now artificial intelligence is involved.
The grandparent scam is old, existing: the phone rings and someone says, grandma or grandpa? The grandpa will then say a grandchild’s name, which is the advantage for the scammer to get the unsuspecting grandpa.
The caller then usually reports that the nephew is in jail and needs the money immediately. A variation is an authority or officer of some sort calling upon the nephew.
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 a few experienced grandparents who suspected something was wrong. One started speaking in a foreign language that his nephew should know and when the caller couldn’t answer, he realized it was a scam. But many grandparents have been scammed out of money.
Now artificial intelligence has been involved, the Federal Trade Commission said.
Artificial intelligence is no more far-fetched idea than a sci-fi movie. We’re living with it, here and now, an FTC consumer advisory said. A scammer could use artificial intelligence to clone their loved one’s voice. All he needs is a short audio clip of your family member’s voice that he could get from content posted online and a voice cloning program. When the scammer calls you, hell sound just like your loved one.
Don’t trust the rumor, advises the FTC. Call the person who allegedly contacted you and verify the story. Use a phone number that you know is theirs. If you can’t reach your loved one, try reaching out to them through other family members or their friends, the agency said.
Fraudsters exploit people’s fears that something will happen to their loved ones or get into trouble themselves. Don’t fall for calls claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service, the sheriff’s office, or other authorities calling claiming you owe money right away.
Always be careful if you’re under pressure to get information or to send money quickly, the Federal Communications Commission has issued a similar warning. Scammers often attempt to force victims to transfer money via a mobile payment app, by sending 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 to your local law enforcement immediately.
Speaking of scams, here are a few other scams the Better Business Bureau of Akron warns about:
Scholarship scams
Beware of money-up-front scams if you are a student looking for grants and scholarships to fund college.
A scam artist lures victims with the promise of money; however, they often charge upfront “fees” and thus never actually follow up 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 programs that promise to find paid scholarships, grants, or financial aid packages.
Scammers typically claim to represent the government, a university, or a non-profit organization. The scammer poses as a financial aid representative using words like “national” and “federal” to sound more official. They claim you’ve won a scholarship or grant (without ever applying) and ask for a one-time “processing fee”. In another version, the scammer tricks you into applying for a “guaranteed” scholarship or grant. However, there is a fee that applies. Once the fee is paid, the money is never sent. When you try to contact a representative, you quickly discover that the company has made so many conditions that it is nearly impossible to receive a refund.
To protect students and parents seeking financial aid opportunities from falling victim to scholarship scams, theBBB recommends following these guidelines:
- Beware of unsolicited offers.Typically, winning a scholarship or grant that hasn’t been applied for is impossible.
- Take your time.Be careful if a rep urges you to buy now to avoid missing out on an opportunity.
- Ask questions.If the company or seminar representative is evasive, walk away. Ask your guidance counselor or a college financial aid office if they have experience with the company.
- Be skeptical of brilliant success stories advertised on websites or at seminars. Ask for the names of families in your community who have used the service in the past year. Talk to them and find out about their experience with the company.
- Be aware that a check can bounce even after the bank allows cash withdrawals from the deposit. Check processing is a confusing business, and so is the terminology. Even if a bank rep claims a check has been “cashed,” he’s not sure it won’t be detected as fake weeks later. One thing the account holder can rest assured of is that he will be liable for any funds withdrawn from the amount.
Home scams
The BBB also reminds people of home improvement scams, especially after a major storm or weather event. Often, fly-by-night companies enter 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, flyer or ad. The contractor may offer a low price or a short time frame. A common hook is when the scammer claims he works in your neighborhood on another project and has leftover stock.
Once started, a dishonest contractor can “find” problems that significantly raise the price. If you object, they threaten to walk away and leave a project unfinished. Or they might take your deposit upfront and never come back to do the job. Following a natural disaster, scammers get homeowners to sign off on insurance payments.
Tips for spotting this scam:
- Watch out for the “red flags”.Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, no-deal handshake deals, and site inspections. Not all “storm chasers” are scam artists, but it’s enough that you should be wary whenever a home contractor contacts you first.
- Ask for referencesand check it 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 clients, both older references to verify work quality and more recent references to ensure current employees are up to the job. Always get a written contract with the price, materials and timeline. The more details, the better.
- Know the law.Work with companies that have proper identification, license, and insurance. Confirm that your supplier will obtain the relevant permits and make sure you know who is responsible for what under local laws.
Consumer columnist Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com
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