Sioux Falls resident falls victim to ‘grandparent scam’
By:
Beth Warden, KSOO Radio
A 79-year old Sioux Falls resident was scammed out of $18,000, falling victim to a grandparent’s scam, where the suspect claims to be a grandchild in trouble and asks for money.
According to Officer Sam Clemens, the caller claimed to need money after a car accident. Typically, once the scammer gets a first payment of money, they come back for more. The victim initially sent $10,000, and received a second call the following day, asking for $8,000, which was also provided.
The victim later contacted the grandchild, discovered the scam, and reported it to police Aug. 22.
Clemens said the scam has been around for years, and although $18,000 is one of the higher dollar amounts paid out, others have paid more. The thieves, claiming to be family, often ask for gift cards or reloadable credit cards and describe a medical emergency or legal trouble.
Police say before sending money, check with the person claiming to be the one asking for help, another family member or trusted friend.
