Beware of Scams

Dear Editor:

I write this hoping once again to alert everyone in Canton about “scams.” Yes, they can happen in our own town.

On Wednesday, June 26, at 2 in the afternoon I received a phone call from my 24-year-old single grandson saying he was at a friend’s destination wedding in Istanbul, Turkey, and he had had a minor car accident and the air bag was activated and hit him in the nose breaking it … not to worry, he was ok, and the hospital had treated him. They would not accept his insurance coverage and he needed $2,800 or he would not be able to leave the country for home the next day.

He had all the info I needed — go to a Rite Aid or Safeway and use their Western Union — and all other related details. I told him I was uncomfortable about not calling his mom (my daughter). He was adamant that I must not call her — it would be too upsetting and he would explain it all to her on the next day. I was to go, complete the transaction, and he would call back a bit later and get the confirmation number so he could make the pickup in Istanbul.

We talked on for a while and I said I would leave now. He even called back twice to make sure I would not tell his mom. I called my friend and she drove me up to Canton’s Rite Aid. She and all the staff were very concerned that I not make the call — it is a scam, they said. Of course, being a stubborn older person, I didn’t want to call my daughter and betray my grandson.

I made the call to the scammer … after I had given some info, I finally hung up and called my daughter. My grandson was at work in Keene, NH. It was a scam. I was to only use cash or debit card and I had given them neither. So I didn’t lose anything. I went home, called the CPD and they said it happens often — nothing they can do.

Then I got another call from my “grandson” asking if everything was ok. I told him I knew it was a scam and I had gone to the police. The phone call was immediately disconnected.

I firmly believe I am totally sane, but I was fooled. It sounded like my grandson. He said nothing to make me doubt that it was him. I fell for the entire scheme. Beware, and don’t let it happen to you. I am so grateful to all the employees at Rite Aid and my good friend for sticking by me all this time. Please heed my advice. Sadly, the world has changed and not at all for the better. Treasure the good people; there aren’t too many left.

Sincerely,

Shirley Morse

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