Posted: Feb. 2, 2010

It's a general understanding that grandma and grandpa are a great place to go for help. Unfortunately, in a scam making the rounds in the area, some people are taking advantage of that kindness.

Over the past year and a half, several communities have experienced a wave of crimes all very similar to one another.

Senior residents have been receiving calls from suspects claiming to be their relatives. Most often, the suspect will claim to be a grandchild. The suspect then goes on to hastily describe how they were involved in some event, most commonly a car accident, that left them in desperate need of money. The caller asks that the elderly person wire them between $2,700 and $3,700.

Menomonee Falls experienced five cases last year, said Lt. Chad Miller of the Menomonee Falls Police Department. "Usually they say they're in Canada," he says of the suspects. "They say their car broke down. One even said he was in jail and needed money to get out."

Miller expressed frustration at not being able to do much to help.

"There's nothing we can do," Miller said. "That jurisdiction is in Canada."

Concerned for those in his community, he said that he still thought it was important to increase awareness of the scam.

Lt. Mike Glider of the New Berlin Police Department also acknowledged the scam's effect on his precinct, citing two incidents in 2009. Talking about the suspects, he said, "They're frantic and they try to rush the elderly person into making a bad decision."

Unfortunately, in at least one instance, the scammers successfully received the wired money before their ploy was realized.

"The money was wired to Canada and never seen again," Glider said.

Both Glider and Miller had some advice on how people can protect themselves.

"Don't be afraid to ask questions," Glider said. "Don't be rushed into making any decision. Ninety-nine percent of these are scams. If it is your grandchild, they'll take the time to talk to you."

Miller also emphasized the importance of taking the time to contact the relative in question.

"Try to call your relative," Miller said. "Make contact with them first. You know the phone number, call them to verify. Anytime someone calls you asking for money, your ears ought to perk up."

Glider remains hopeful that with increased awareness will come a decrease in the scam.

"Like any other scam, once the word gets out the bad guys will stop. It's been out there awhile."