The latest scam call scheme targets grandparents.
They get a call from a scammer claiming to be their grandchild who is in trouble and needs money.
The Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue warns it's a sophisticated operation, getting personal information from social media sites and possibly using artificial intelligence to impersonate people.
"The most recent scam to occur is the Grandparent Scam. AARP defines a Grandparent scam, “The Grandparent Scam typically starts with a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild or a person reaching out on their behalf who needs your help urgently. They will say that your grandchild was in an accident or in jail and that they need money right away. They may ask you for a wire transfer or gift card, but there’s a rise in requests for cash – cash that the caller will pick up from your home.”
The DA's office says if you get such a call- hang up and report it. But never give out personal information.
(Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: JIM WATSON / AFP / Getty Images