The Grandparent Scam Could Cost You
Statement
Mary woke up before dawn to the sounds of a ringing phone. She put on her glasses and fear filled her mind, as she knew no good news could come from the dialing end of such an early morning call.
"Grandma it's me - do you know who this is?" the caller hurriedly said.
Mary thought the caller kind of sounded like her grandson Billy - but she wasn't sure. She responded, "Billy? Is this you?"
"Yes Grandma - it's me Billy. I need your help - I've been arrested in another country and I need money wired quickly to pay my bail. And, oh please, Grandma - don't tell my mom or dad because they'll be so upset!"
Mary was confused, and her grandmotherly instincts overruled any suspicions she would have had with anyone else calling to ask for money over the phone. Within minutes, Mary gave her credit card information and bank account numbers to total strangers who said they were with law enforcement, all with urgency to help the grandson she so loved.
Mary didn't know until hours later she was yet another victim of what is known as the grandparent scam, a criminal fraud scheme which preys specifically on seniors.
America's seniors face the very real daily threat of theft of their hard earned savings and their identity because they are specifically targeted for this and many other types of scams.
I receive calls, letters, and talk to folks on a regular basis about this specific type of fraud and others hurting Iowans. We all may know someone - a parent, grandparent, friend, or even a neighbor - with a story like Mary's. Also troubling, fraudulent practices and scams seem to be increasingly complex and ever evolving. Even Iowans who have their guard up against scams are susceptible to having their personal, banking, or credit card information stolen. This can happen to anyone harmlessly clicking what looks like a valid link in an email, or through accessing public Wi-Fi.
As your voice and vote in the U.S. House of Representatives, I take these threats seriously and I am dedicated to protecting our seniors, students, families, and all Americans against these heartless attacks.
Earlier this week I announced I founded and I am leading the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force to Combat Identity Theft and Fraud, a group of dedicated legislators from both sides of the political aisle who will work to find commonsense solutions to protect all Americans from hackers, scammers, thieves and fraudsters.
There is no quick fix to protecting ourselves from scammers and identity theft. However, my bipartisan task force seeks to examine the scope of fraud and how best to address it with a thorough and thoughtful approach. I am committed to fighting these criminals with solutions to increase your security and increase the penalties and punishments for these scammers and ruthless thieves. Through our bipartisan task force's efforts we can fight for meaningful solutions.
Every American - from veterans to children, from seniors to small business owners - should be secure in their personal and financial information. These crimes are incredibly far reaching, personal, and undermine the financial health of hardworking families and our economy. I am eager to get to work on our bipartisan task force and am encouraged by the opportunity for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together on such an important and widespread issue.
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