Telecom Fraud on the Rise: What Enterprises Need to Know

February 6, 2019

A week and a half ago, my 92-year-old father received a call from his eldest granddaughter. “Hi Grandpa, how are you feeling?” she asked. He responded that he was doing well, and that his most recent doctor appointments had gone as expected. “Was there any new news after your last hospitalization?” she went on to inquire. “No, it is the same situation, but look, I am 92 years old, so these things are to be expected. How are you doing?” Then the conversation shifted.

She shared that she had been arrested for speeding, and that while the police were willing to release her, she needed money to pay the ticket before they would do so. “I’m really in trouble, Grandpa. Can you help me out? I need $750 sent right away.” Having been well prepped in telephone security and scams by his daughter (me!), he then asked “Kelly, what authorities pulled you over?” She shared that she was in Iowa and that a local constabulary had her in their offices. He immediately hung up. He has no granddaughter named Kelly.