Savvy scammers target older residents

I write because we quickly detected the IRS scam, a collection agency threat and a bank fraud scheme previously. However, we recently lost $2,000 in a bail scam for our grandson who was the 'victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” This approach was different because it used specific names, implied Coralville rather than an out-of-county location and it sounded like our grandson to a very distressed grandma.

After giving Green Dot MoneyPak numbers to the 'officer” for bail, the person called back and stated that new developments required a lawyer and one was on site for $4,000. I said I would get it and called the Coralville police, who verified that the grandson had not been arrested and there was no Officer Nelson. This is an old scam, but much better prepared.

Obviously, we should have seen through the payment method. It is clear that your advanced years are known to all as evidenced by the ceaseless chain of hearing aid ads you receive. It also is clear that your associations and correspondence can be picked off email and social media by scammers. Remember those emails from friends who suddenly have an East European address? Grannies beware. Ask lots of questions that only a local resident would know and quiz 'relatives” who call for family details. They know more about you than you think.

Cheers to the skeptical CVS pharmacy manager where we bought the MoneyPaks and both local police departments for their follow-up.

Holmes Semken

Iowa City