Skip to content
General-news — Crime-and-justice — Technology

Cunning Grandchildren Deceive by Biting through Granite

Criminals continue to make extortion attempts via threatening phone calls, requesting substantial sums of money. Understanding the tactics these individuals employ can aid in self-protection.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Persistent Swindling via Telephone: A Continuing Threat to Finances. Adequate understanding of...
Persistent Swindling via Telephone: A Continuing Threat to Finances. Adequate understanding of scammers' tactics serves as a shield against financial exploitation.

Cunning Grandchildren Deceive by Biting through Granite

unexpected emergency calls, texts, or emails about family members or friends can catch you off guard. Remain cautious, especially when it comes to financial assistance.

Currently, fraudsters often demand a "bail" for an alleged jailing of a relative. "If the term 'bail' surfaces during a conversation, you can be certain that the call is an attempt to scam," states the Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office.

Being Manipulated - Even with AI Assistance

Even if you think it's a familiar voice on the line, be skeptical. Today, scammers employ artificial intelligence to mimic voices realistically for emergency or help calls, warns the Consumer Center Bremen. Minimal speech is enough for "deepfakes," which criminals can obtain via social media networks.

Similarly, scammers exploit emotions to manipulate their victims, causing panic and urging hasty action.

Tips to Deter Fake Relatives

Here are helpful tips from police crime prevention to avoid situations where data or money are stolen:

  • Never assume who is calling. Do not disclose any personal or financial details to callers.
  • Can't recognize the caller? Ask questions only the true relative or friend would know.
  • Don't get pressured. Take time to verify information and ask questions. If the caller seems suspicious, call the person back using a known number.
  • If callers demand money or valuables, consult with family members or friends first. Store large sums of money and valuable items in a safety deposit box instead of at home.
  • Never hand over money or valuables to unknown people, not even the police. If a call seems strange, record the number and immediately alert the police at 110.
  • If you've been targeted by a "grandparent scam," report it to the police. Reporting can help investigators identify patterns and catch the perpetrators.

Four Steps for Future Protection

Here are simple steps to prepare yourself and others for potential critical situations in the future:

  1. Agree on a secret code word with relatives. This code can help verify the caller's identity.
  2. Request your number to be removed from the phone book. Contacts already have your number, and there's no need for them to look it up. If you still want to be listed, consider shortening your name (for example, H. Schmidt instead of Herta Schmidt) or omitting it. A change form is available from crime prevention services.
  3. Inform relatives and acquaintances about scams to prevent repeats.
  4. Those who are frequently disturbed by specific numbers can block them. Reports can also be made to the Federal Network Agency via email or the online form. For additional protection on WhatsApp, activate the "Mute calls from unknown" option under "Privacy" settings.

As Scammers Evolve, So Should Protection Measures

To safeguard yourself from advanced grandparent scams utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and voice mimicking techniques, consider these proactive steps:

  1. Keep Curious and Informed: Familiarize yourself with the latest scam methods and tricks, so you can stay vigilant.
  2. Avoid Urgent Calls: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to elicit an immediate response. Be wary of calls implying your grandchild requires immediate assistance.
  3. Confirm Information: Verify the situation by contacting other family members or reliable sources if a call claims to be from a grandchild.
  4. Implement Call Blocking: Use call-blocking apps or features to minimize the number of undesirable calls you receive.
  5. Guard Personal and Financial Information: Never share sensitive details, especially with unexpected callers. Legitimate organizations won't ask for such information in unsolicited calls.
  6. Monitor Accounts Closely: Regularly check your financial accounts for suspicious activity.
  7. Secure Your Devices: Ensure your devices have the latest security patches and use strong antivirus software to safeguard against malware.
  8. Refrain from Giving Remote Access: Never grant remote access to your computer or devices to unknown callers, as it can lead to further exploitation or identity theft.

By taking these measures, you can significantly lessen the risk of becoming a victim of advanced grandparent scams.

  1. Evolution in scam methods necessitates vigilance, particularly against advanced grandparent scams utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and voice mimicking techniques.
  2. To ward off potential scams, consider implementing proactive steps such as keeping informed about the latest scam tactics, avoiding urgent calls, verifying information through reliable sources, and using call-blocking apps or features.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest