Via Fark, ConsumerAffairs.com has named the so-called "Grandparents Scam" one of the top 10 scams of the year. It works like this:
I previously said that I didn't think the "ore ore" scam would work in America (or, at least, in New York), where people are, in theory, more cynical and less trusting. But apparently it does.
An elderly person is targeted by the scammer who calls and says something like, "It's me, grandpa." The elderly person will respond, thinking it's one of their grandchildren.It certainly works a lot in Japan, where it's called the "Ore ore" ("It's me!) scam, and is one of the most common cons.
The scammer then tells a tale of woe, saying they are in trouble and need some money, "and please don't tell mom." The grandparent obligingly sends a few hundred dollars, thinking they're helping a grandchild. Investigators say it works more than you might think.
I previously said that I didn't think the "ore ore" scam would work in America (or, at least, in New York), where people are, in theory, more cynical and less trusting. But apparently it does.
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