When your grandkid calls in a panic asking for bail money, your first instinct probably isn’t to ask for photo ID. But in this latest scam, maybe it should be.
In this publication, we’re diving into a chilling scam that’s swept the U.S., targeting the most loving and trusting among us—our grandparents. Let’s get into it.
Fraudsters are staging elaborate phone dramas, pretending to be panicked grandkids in legal trouble, and convincing elderly victims to hand over thousands of dollars.
The latest case? Luis Alfonso Bisono Rodriguez, a Dominican Republic national living in Ohio, allegedly teamed up with partners abroad to con elderly victims out of $50,000 using rideshare drivers and fake legal emergencies.
How the Scam Works
Act 1: The Call
Scammers call seniors pretending to be their grandchild or a lawyer. They urgently claim there's been an accident, arrest, or other emergency.
Act 2: The Cast Expands
Victims are transferred between fake attorneys, judges, or bail bondsmen—all characters played by the same crew.
Act 3: The Drop
Victims are told to secretly deliver cash (sometimes labeled as "legal documents") to a rideshare driver who unknowingly acts as a courier.
Act 4: The Cash Out
The money is collected in Ohio, then quickly transferred overseas—often via wire transfers or even cryptocurrency.
Who’s Targeted?
• Seniors aged 70+
• Victims across multiple U.S. states including Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Kentucky
• Typically people who don’t use social media security settings, making it easy for scammers to gather personal family info
Real-Life Example
In this case, victims were between 74 and 91 years old. One woman handed over $9,500 after a call claiming her grandson was in jail.
Security footage showed Bisono Rodriguez, often in a maroon tracksuit and beanie, collecting the envelopes. He wired at least $14,000 to someone in the Dominican Republic shortly after pickups.
Meanwhile, Uber records revealed a man named Jesus Cardona, based in the Dominican Republic, ordered over 80 rides to move cash between states.
Why You Should Care
This scam doesn’t just drain your bank account—it weaponizes love.
Victims aren’t careless—they’re caring. Scammers use that trust to manipulate, isolate, and financially devastate them.
The FBI says elder fraud cost Americans over $3.4 billion in 2023, and the numbers are rising. These criminals count on secrecy, urgency, and emotion to pull it off.
How to Protect Yourself (or a Loved One)
• Verify First – Call your grandchild, a family member, or caregiver before taking action. Don’t trust the voice on the phone.
• Resist the Pressure to Stay Silent – Scammers often say “don’t tell anyone.” That’s your cue to tell someone immediately.
• Never Hand Off Cash – No real attorney or law enforcement will send an Uber to collect bail. That’s a huge red flag.
• Use a “Family Password” – Create a shared code word your family can use in emergencies to prove authenticity.
• Talk About It – If you have elderly parents or relatives, have a conversation now. Education beats reaction every time.
Quick Tips & Updates
• Did You Know? Scammers often use spoofed numbers to make it look like calls are coming from local area codes or even real government agencies.
• Pro Tip: Check in regularly with elderly family members and encourage them to hang up and call a known number before taking action.
• FBI Alert: In 2024 alone, elder fraud complaints rose by 14%, with more complex schemes mimicking real emergencies and legal systems.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keyword Definitions
🔹 Grandparent Scam – A fraud scheme where scammers pose as distressed relatives needing urgent financial help.
🔹 Spoofing – The act of disguising a phone number to appear as a trusted or local number.
🔹 Wire Transfer – A method of transferring funds electronically, often used in scams for its speed and difficulty to reverse.
🔹 Elder Fraud – Financial scams that specifically target older adults, often through emotional manipulation.
🔹 Courier Scam – A fraud tactic where money is picked up by an unwitting third party, like a rideshare driver.
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