BBB reported on their web site that telephone scam targets well-meaning grandparent.

"Generally, the scam works like this - the grandparent receives a distressed phone call from who they believe is their grandchild. The supposed grandchild typically explains that they are travelling in Canada and have been arrested or involved in an auto accident and need the grandparent to wire money to post bail or pay for damages--usually amounting to a few thousand dollars. While many seniors have reported the scam without falling prey to it, unfortunately, many others have been victimized. One well-meaning grandmother sent $15,000 to scammers, thinking she was helping a grandchild who had been in an auto accident."
(Quote from BBB' s Web)

That is really similar case which has been happening in Japan, so-called "Ore-Ore fraud".
"Ore-Ore" means "It's me". It was named because of their trick that scammers says "it's me" instead of a name since most grandchildren tend to call him or herself to their grandparent especially when they are in emergency.

I, probably, think this trick must be exported from Japan dishonorably.


So I list here how we should avoid to be cheated.

1) Do not loose your head
That is the way of scammers. They tries to make you into a panic.
2)You should call to your grandchildren or their parents with another phone.
The scammer does not allow you to hang up your phone.

3) before you send money, you should ask your family

With our experience, Scammers must improve their way.
4)Do not name your grandchildren
They don't know their name. if you say the real name, they can use it as if he is on the line.
"It's me", "Are you John?", "Yes! it's John!, Help me grandma!"
5)Call fake name
Try to call fake name. If they answer the fake name, you could know it.

In Japan, a mechanism is not clear but they get grandchildren's name. In such a case, when a victim tries to confirm, another scammer continuously call to grandchildren as if he himself is just calling to grandparent.



I realize that grandparents tend to be cheated. If they live separately with grandchildren.

In my mother's case, she got a phone on a second floor from scammer when I stayed in a living room with my father. She answered her son's name(My name) to scammer.
"It's me", "Oh? Ichiro? what happen?", "it's me Ichiro, Help me!"
Of course she finally found out her son was now at home. Be careful.