What Are ‘New Tactics’ Being Used in New Hampshire Grandparent Scam?

New techniques have been identified among scammers in the "grandparent scam" attempting to take advantage of New Hampshire residents.

In this ruse, a scammer typically will call or e-mail a victim posing as a grandchild or child. The scammer might claim to be in trouble, often saying he or she has been arrested by law enforcement in another state or country. In some cases, the scammer may also pose as a member of law enforcement and claim to have arrested or detained the victim’s relative. The scammer could instruct the victim to not tell anyone, citing some kind of legal order.

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According to New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald, scammers have updated the grandparent scam to ask for in-person pickup of money or other valuables, something the AG's office sees as "a new and dangerous threat to New Hampshire residents."

In the past, scammers might ask for a wire-transfer of money or an electronic transfer of funds, but the state finds these new tactics to be even more concerning.

MacDonald in a news release stated that state officials would neither require such transfers of goods in exchange for the release of another person nor issue related legal orders over the phone or by e-mail. Moreover, the AG's office encouraged anyone that is suspicious of a related scam not to release personal information and disengage with the other party.