ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Police have arrested six California suspects for allegedly participating in scams that defrauded senior citizens in Texas and Nebraska. Authorities think that there may be more victims that have yet to be identified. Senior citizens are often targeted for financial fraud because they have money and are seen as easy victims. California financial elder abuse attorneys remind the public to be on the lookout for financial elder abuse.
This scam is described by authorities as the “grandchild” scam. The fraud begins when a suspect calls an elderly victim and poses as their grandchild. The suspect has some information about the actual grandchild of the victim, such as their birthday and where they live. The suspect then tells the elderly victim that they are in trouble and need money. Often, the elderly victim sends the money to help their grandchild only to find out later that it was not their grandchild that called. California financial elder abuse attorneys have seen an increased number of these cases recently.
Police were informed about the scam in late January of this year. A 92 year-old victim living in Texas received a telephone call from a suspect claiming to be the victim’s grandson. The suspect stated that he was in jail in California and needed money. The suspect asked the victim to send the money to a residence in California. Then the victim spoke to another suspect who posed as a law enforcement official. That person gave instructions on where to send the money. The victim was suspicious of the phone call, so he contacted local law enforcement officials in Texas. California financial elder abuse attorneys warn senior citizens to contact the police if they get suspicious calls from people who ask for money.
The victim was instructed by law enforcement officials to send an empty package to the California address where he was directed to send the money. Police in California were notified of the ongoing situation and told where the package was to be delivered. Police went to the address and found the empty package. The two people at that location were arrested.
When officials investigated the case they discovered that there were at least three other potential victims of the scam. One alleged victim was a Nebraska resident who sent approximately $210,000 to multiple locations in California. The two other alleged victims that have been identified lived in Texas and Nebraska.
Police have arrested four additional suspects in connection with this case. All the suspects were arrested on suspicion of grand theft, identity theft, elder abuse, theft from an elder, and conspiracy. Police believe that there may be other victims of this scam that are not yet identified. Senior citizens who think they may have been a victim of this scam are asked to contact their local police departments.
Evans Law Firm, Inc. handles elder abuse, financial elder abuse, physical elder abuse, annuity fraud, consumer fraud class actions, insurance and banking fraud cases. If you think that you have witnessed or are the victim of elder abuse, or financial fraud then contact Evans Law Firm, Inc. at 415-441-8669 for a free and confidential consultation, or email us at info@evanslaw.com
