(WXYZ) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the AARP of Michigan have issued a warning about the "Grandparent Scam" after a west Michigan couple of scammed out of $16,000.
According to the AG's office, the scam preys on vulnerable senior citizens with con artists posing as a grandchild or other relative in distress.
The Zeeland, Mich. couple was talked into sending cash via FedEx and getting several Home Depot gift cards to alter share the numbers through the phone.
Police in Zeeland were alerted after employees at both locations expressed concern.
“Our job is to protect the people of Michigan – and this consumer alert is an important way to do that. It’s equally important to be aware of ways in which people try to get you to hand over your money,” Nessel said in a release. “It’s unacceptable for bad actors to exploit our love and concern for our family members for criminal purposes. My office is committed to ensuring that our state residents are protected from these types of despicable acts and that Michiganders are not being taken advantage of.”
According to the AG's office, there are several things people should do if someone reaches out to them about money for a family member. The first is to double check and attempt to reach the loved one or confirm their status with other family members.
The office also said to spot the red flags, such as a frantic caller, to slow down and not act right away, and never provide personal identifying information to an incoming caller.
For more information on the alert, click here.
