It was heartbreaking.
It was frightening.
It was expensive.
Now it’s DEADLY!

I recently published an article on the resurgence of the notorious ‘Grandparent Scam’ making its way yet again throughout North America. In this article, I described how scammers take advantage of unsuspecting older persons, calling to impersonate a panicked grandchild in desperate need of cash to be bailed out of a dire situation. (Click Here to read the original article and to learn the details about how it works and what makes the scam so convincing.)

Just days after I published the article, the shocking headlines revealed that an older man in Ohio shot an innocent Uber driver multiple times, believing she was part of this extorting scam ring. One life is lost, and another is ruined — facing murder charges.

The older man, William Brock, 81, received the grandparent scam call and believed that his grandchild would be killed if he didn’t send money — a lot of money. The scammers sent an unsuspecting Uber driver, Loletha Hall, 61, to pick up the package of cash on their behalf. She had no idea what was in the package or why she needed to pick it up.

A scuffle ensued, and the older man shot her multiple times. What started as a dark and stressful scheme to extort money evolved into a murderous tragedy.

The need to educate and inform the public about these scams has never been more pressing.

Educate to Protect
Simple Steps to Safeguard Against Scams

Awareness is our first line of defense. Understand that no legitimate law enforcement or legal entity will ever contact individuals demanding bail money over the phone.

1) Verify Directly: Reach out to the person supposedly in trouble, using a known and trusted contact number. Ignore their pleas for secrecy.

2) Use of a Safe Word: Families might consider establishing a ‘safe word.’ This word, known only within the family, can be used to verify the identity of the caller during emergencies.

These two simple steps can interrupt the tragic outcomes of these types of scams.

The Emotional Toll and What You Can Do

The emotional impact of such scams, which often exploit the elderly’s vulnerability and trust, is profound. Not only do the victims suffer financially, but the psychological toll can be debilitating. Stories like this one from Ohio serve as a harsh reminder of the potential consequences of these deceitful tactics.

It is a collective responsibility to protect our community members — especially those most vulnerable. By increasing awareness, educating folks, and instilling healthy skepticism, we can hopefully prevent these tragic outcomes.

This is both a timely warning and a guide to help readers understand the severity of the Grandparent Scam. Please Read the original article, and share it with others. Let others know that two simple steps can prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Rhonda Latreille, MBA, CPCA
Founder & CEO
Age-Friendly Business®

p.s. Since 2003, Age-Friendly Business® has trained thousands of professionals and businesses committed to learning how to elevate the quality of the client, customer, and community experience. They are called Certified Professional Consultants on Aging (CPCAs)® and Age-Friendly Businesses®. They have earned the right to ask for your business.