The Criminals Involved in "Grandparents Scam"

We all know there are con artists out there, trying to scam their way to steal lots of money from innocent people.

We all know the calls, texts and emails we get from people claiming to be IRS agents, get rich financial businesses and quick fix doctors, all trying to trick us into giving them money. And sometimes the con artists even claim to be relatives, as is the case of the so-called “grandparents scam” busted by the U.S. Attorney’s office in San Diego.

Eight people indicted, all charged with preying on the elderly to steal at least two-million dollars in all from about 70 victims from California to New York, at least 10 of the elderly victims of the scam who live in San Diego County.

A scam like this bad and cruel enough when it comes along in normal times, but during these pandemic times, it’s even more cruel. A lot of elderly people have been and some still are isolated at home, by themselves, fearful of getting a virus that can kill them and suffering from the loneliness that has come along with not being able to see their families.

U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman says, “It is unconscionable to target the elderly and exploit their love for their grandchildren.” It does make you wonder what kind of people target the vulnerable at a time when they are most vulnerable.

But we should be thankful for the federal prosecutors in San Diego who used a racketeering law to target and arrest these heartless and evil criminals.

(Photo 10News)