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Local grandmother avoids WATER FILL STATION AUGUST SPECIAL being victim of phone scam By LISA TALLYN Staff Writer A Georgetown woman who recently received a call from a fraudster fortunately did not get taken in, but she wants to ensure that no one else does either. Diane Grundy, 66, got the call Friday, Aug. 12 from someone claiming to be her grandson in need of immediate cash, but it turns out it was someone using the "grandson scam." Fortunately, Grundy didn't give the caller any money, but some others in Halton over the past several days have. Acting Detective Sgt. Crystal Kelly said the fraud is not a new one, and recently a Milton senior was defrauded when she wired $2,600 to someone posing as her grandson, and another woman wired $3,500 to a fraudster who told her he was her son in trouble. In Acton on Friday, Aug. 12 another woman was called by a man claiming to be her son requiring money for bail. She ended up sending $1,500. Police say typically the scammer calls up an elderly person and identifies himself as his/her grandson. He claims to be in trouble and asks the senior for some money. In Grundy's case the call came in about 4:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12. The caller said "Grandma" when Grundy answered the phone, and she gave her grandson's name, which the caller immediately answered, "Yes." Kelly said in these instances the seniors often inadvertently give up the names of their grandson or son, "because they don't want their loved one to think they don't recognize their voice." The fake grandson on the other end of the line told Grundy he had been at a rock concert with a friend, had a drink, ended up in a car accident and spent the night in a holding cell. He told Grundy he needed $2,600 for a deposit on a rental car. Grundy, told the caller "that's really disappointing," and also that there was no way she could get that kind of mon- 5 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday, August 23, 2011 $ GEORGETOWN STORE ONLY 348 Guelph Street ANY SIZE 1 140 Guelph St., Georgetown (beside the Fruit Market) 905-877-9541 WE MATCH PRICES! Diane Grundy of Georgetown recently was targeted by someone operating the `grandson scam' where the caller poses as a relative of the intended victim, claiming to need financial assistance. Photo by Ted Brown ey. At that news, the caller hung up the phone. Grundy said she felt terrible-- guilty that she couldn't help her grandson and called his parents, who told her not worry because they felt it was a scam. A call to the grandson confirmed it. "I really thought he was in trouble. The voice was very similar. I was really upset," said Grundy. Her message to other seniors is, "be wary of calls that might be coming through." Tips to avoid becoming a grandson scam victim, as provided by Halton Police, include: · Ask the caller for a call back number. This gives you time to verify information. Be very suspicious if the caller refuses · Ask the caller a personal question only your grandchild could answer such as their date of birth · Speak to another family member about the matter before sending any money or enquire with police. If you have any information concerning a recent scam contact Halton Police at 905-878-5511 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). · · · · Experienced Staff Set Up & Delivery Home Consultation Service Calls We're your local full service home electronics dealer Summer Hours: Mon. - Wed. 10-6, Thurs 10-7, Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5 DON'T LOSE YOUR CANADIAN STATIONS AUGUST 31ST! We have solutions. Featuring: SERVED THURSDAY & FRIDAY 11:30 am to 2:00 pm LUNCH BUFFET - Assorted Salads $ - Dessert Table - Tea & Coffee - Roast R t Beef B f - Baked Ham - Fish and Chips 11.50 HST INCLUDED Private Catering Available P ~ LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ~ Fri. & Sat. 9:30 pm - close Rock n' Roll Larry Melton 79 Main Street South, Georgetown 905-877-3388 Come to the Acton Farmers' Market this Thursday, August 25th from 3 - 8pm Compliments of the ActonBIA FREE CORN ROAST Check out our website at Bring this coupon to our Corn Roast on Aug. 25th, 2011 at the Farmers' Market and receive one cob of sweet, local and fresh corn, FREE! Limit one coupon per customer. Valid only on Aug. 25, 2011. No cash value. While supplies last. www.downtownacton.ca