Reminder: Don't fall for scams

We get reports quite frequently from people who have been contacted by scammers pretending to be family members who are in trouble and need money. The common denominator is they always need it in a hurry and they need it in either a gift card of some sort, or by money order.

Today, we were contacted by someone who almost fell for the scam. The scammers put someone on the phone who sounded just like his granddaughter, sobbing and desperate for help. He almost sent the money, but had the presence of mind to make a few phone calls and he was able to verify his REAL granddaughter was fine.

Here is a link from the Federal Trade Commission outlining the many types of these "family emergency" scams. Be smart. Don't fall for it. No matter how real it sounds.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0204-family-emergency-scams