If scammers had a Yelp review, it’d probably say: “Very convincing—would steal from Grandma again.”
In this publication, we're uncovering a scam trend that's so relentless, even the police say they’re hearing more about fraud than noise complaints. That’s right—scam calls now outnumber barking dog reports. Let’s dive in.
Romance and grandparent scams are exploding, especially among seniors, and law enforcement says victims often don’t even realize they’re being scammed—until it’s too late. Some are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to smooth-talking criminals online.
How It Works:
These scams prey on trust, loneliness, and fear—here’s how:
- A scammer contacts the victim online, often through social media or dating platforms (romance scam), or by phone pretending to be a grandchild or law enforcement (grandparent scam).
- In romance scams, they build emotional connections over weeks or months before asking for money for an “emergency” or “travel.”
- In grandparent scams, the caller fakes urgency—like a loved one in jail or in trouble—and pressures the victim to send money immediately.
- Victims often feel emotionally tied to their scammer or too afraid to say no, and send large sums without telling family.
Who’s Targeted:
- Primarily senior citizens, especially those who are isolated or unfamiliar with online risks.
- People active on dating websites, social media platforms, or those who live alone.
- Anyone susceptible to emotional appeals or panic-inducing scenarios.
Real-Life Example:
Shaler Police Chief Sean Frank says scam calls are now a daily occurrence.
“[In one case] it's over $100,000, and we’ve been in touch with the U.S. Attorney about it,” he said.
But that case hit a wall because the victim didn’t believe she was being scammed.
“Unfortunately, they have to want to be the victim so that you can help them,” Frank added.
In other words, if someone refuses to believe it’s a scam, even police can’t intervene.
Why You Should Care:
These scams aren’t just financially devastating—they’re emotionally brutal. Victims are manipulated, isolated, and often left feeling ashamed. Even worse, many refuse help because they’re convinced the scammer is trustworthy. That’s the cruel genius of these schemes.
Actionable Steps:
- Talk openly with elderly loved ones about common scams and how they work.
- Be suspicious of online relationships that escalate quickly or involve money requests.
- Verify any urgent calls from supposed family members or law enforcement independently before acting.
- Set up family “safe words” for emergency communications to avoid impersonation.
- Encourage reporting—remind potential victims that scammers are the criminals, not them.
Quick Tips:
Did you know? Scammers can find personal details from public obituaries and social media posts to make their lies more believable.
Pro Tip: Always question any unexpected call or message involving urgent requests for money—even if it sounds emotional or familiar.
We’ll also be watching for updates from the Shaler Police Department's event this Friday with the U.S. Attorney, Pennsylvania Attorney General, and District Attorney—they’ll be offering a full breakdown of scam tactics and prevention tips, both in-person and online via the Shaler Library’s website.
Stay safe, stay informed,
Keyword Definitions:
- Romance Scam – A scam in which someone creates a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust, ultimately to steal money.
- Grandparent Scam – A scam targeting older individuals, where fraudsters pretend to be a grandchild or authority figure to solicit urgent payments.
- Spoofing – Faking caller ID or email addresses to appear as someone trustworthy.
- Phishing – Attempts to obtain sensitive information through fraudulent messages.
- Emotional Manipulation – Using feelings like love, guilt, or fear to influence someone’s actions, often seen in scam tactics.
- Safe Word – A predetermined word or phrase used to verify someone's identity in emergencies or uncertain communications.
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