403-689-8131
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Woman called elderly in-laws in Ohio around 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2015, pretending to be their granddaughter. Said she had been out with friends, drinking, & wrecked; was in "detention." Needed them to help - needed $4,500. Then her "attorney," "Walter Swanson" got on phone with specific instructions: purchase $4,500 in Giant Eagle gift cards & call him back and read numbers off back of card. Good people at Giant Eagle stopped the scam by convincing in-laws to call # given & ask if $ could be wired via Western Union instead. Answer was NO then person on line hung up on my in-laws.
"Grandparent Scam" plays on the natural love of a grandparent for their grandchildren. Then there was the element of surprise, urgency and secrecy - it almost worked.
Caller type: Scammer
Caller: Granddaughter Walter Swanson
Number: 403-689-8131
They called my mom (a senior citizen). Her caller ID made it look as though it came from my sons cell who is away at college. Pretending to be him, he said he was in a car accident, put the "attorney " on the line, he said if the person who got hit gets $4500 in gift cards, they would not sue, and insurance would reimburse her. He instructed her to get gift cards and he would call back.
Number: 403-689-8131
This is a caller saying they are grandchild who has been in accident and failed breathalyzer and needs $4500 or whatever amount can afford to pay damage to other car to get out of jail. After asking questions, realized it was fraud and reported to police.
Please don't fall for this.
Caller type: Scammer
Number: 403-689-8131
Follow-up: Scammers wanted in-laws to purchase VISA CARDS & suggested Giant Eagle as a place to purchase them. Once cards are purchased, the purchaser scratches off the covering over the PIN number on back and reads the numbers to the scammers - then the scammer can transfer the money - all done electronically - they don't need the actual gift cards to be mailed to them.
Caller: Granddaughter Walter Swanson
Number: 403-689-8131
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