Watch how Mabel, a quick-witted grandma, dodges two major scam attempts by staying alert. Discover her strategies that can help anyone avoid falling victim to such predatory tactics.

One resilient Ontario grandma shared how she nearly fell victim to the notorious grandparent scam not once, but twice. Her sharp intuition and quick thinking saved her from significant financial loss. This tale not only underscores the importance of vigilance but also highlights the increasing cunning of modern-day scammers.

Mabel, the gutsy grandma, recalls the anxiety-filled moments when she received distress calls about her grandchildren being in trouble. One such call demanded $8,000 for bail after her grandson was supposedly arrested. Trusting her gut feeling that questioned the caller’s legitimacy saved her from losing her hard-earned money.

This isn’t the first time Mabel has had to fend off scammers. Previously, another fraudster, posing as a police officer, tried to convince her that her grandson needed $7,500 for release. Even a dispatched taxi, meant to take her to the bank, didn’t sway her decision once she realized she was expected to foot the bill.

In conversations with potential fraudsters, Mabel’s approach was straightforward—ask pointed questions and demand specific answers. This method effectively unnerved the scammers, prompting them to hang up. It’s a technique that could spare many from fraud.

Though she avoided financial loss, the emotional impact was significant. Mabel admits the scams left her feeling unwell, highlighting the less discussed consequence of such frauds: psychological stress.

Detective Sean Harding from the financial crimes unit stresses that elderly individuals, like Mabel, are often targets for repeat scam attempts. His advice is simple: hang up on suspicious calls and confirm the information through trusted channels.

To combat such crises, Harding advocates the “Ten and two rule” — take ten minutes to think it over and discuss the situation with two trusted people before acting. This rule aims to create a buffer against the rush and pressure tactics employed by scammers.

What can we learn from Mabel’s encounters with scammers?

 

Despite the ordeal, Mabel’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for awareness and the effectiveness of skepticism. Her experiences illustrate the critical importance of staying alert and questioning inconsistencies, especially in today’s scam-ridden world.

Remember, when in doubt, the best action is often no action until you can verify the facts. Mabel’s bravery and sharp-witted responses are not just commendable; they’re inspirational. Let’s take a leaf out of her book and safeguard ourselves.