Attorney General Greg Zoeller reminds Hoosiers to be cautious of calls from "grandchildren" claiming they’re in trouble and need money due to an auto accident, overdue rent or minor brush with the law – it’s likely a scam. Dozens of Hoosier seniors have reported such calls to the Attorney General's Office in recent weeks.

It may seem hard to believe that this scam works but the imposters are good at what they do and choose their targets carefully -- tugging on the heartstrings of caring and loving grandparents. For example, one Indianapolis couple recently lost most of their life savings to a man posing as their grandson who claimed to be in a car accident in Canada and needed to pay for damages and medical bills. The couple, concerned about their grandson, didn’t hesitate to help by wiring $6,000 to Canada. Several weeks passed before they realized they'd been scammed. 

Avoid becoming a victim. Make the caller prove they are actually your grandchild by asking questions only a family member could answer. Most likely the next sound you hear will be a dial tone.

If you believe you’ve been scammed, you can file a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division online at www.IndianaConsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516.