Cape police warn of 'Grandparent Scam'

Two victims of scams have lost $100,000 in the past month, Cape Girardeau police said.

The “Grandparent Scam” usually involves scammers posing as lawyers or U.S. government employees, according to a police news release.

They call people claiming a person’s relative, usually a grandchild, has been arrested after being involved in a car accident in Mexico, according to the release. The caller asks for a large sum of money to ensure the relative’s release, according to the news release.

Police recommend reaching out to the grandchild or other relative. If relatives indeed are outside of the country, police recommend contacting the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate for assistance determining whether the relative has been detained, according to the release.

In Missouri, scam victims can file a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division at (800) 392-8222. Senior citizens can report scams to the U.S. Senate’s Aging Fraud Hotline at (855) 303-9470.

Pertinent Address:

40 S. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.