First Security Bank

Scammers Pose as Troubled Grandchildren

BEWARE: Grandparents are called by a scammer posing as their grandchild or as a friend of their grandchild. The scammer tells them that their grandchild is in jail (or stuck in another country) and needs money for bail, a lawyer, and additional legal fees (or simply money to get home). The scammer gains validity by knowing the grandchild's name, address, and other various details that they have managed to obtain prior to the call. They ask for the money in forms of giftcards, cash, wire transfer, etc. They may even say that they called the grandparents, instead of their parents, for fear that their parents wouldn't help, didn't answer, or were too embarrassed to admit they were in jail.

WHAT TO DO: Do not get caught up in the urgency that the scammers have created. You can ask the caller questions that a scammer couldn't possibly know the answer to (something not shared on social media) to validate their claim that they are your grandchild or a friend of your grandchild. Call one of your grandchild's parents and explain the situation, even if asked not to. Call your grandchild and see if they answer. Don't ever send cash, gift cards or money transfers to a stranger or unfamiliar entity upon their request. Report the situation to the FTC.

NEVER give personal identifying information (PII) such as your full name, Social Security number, driver's license number, bank account number, passport number, debit card number or email address to a received phone call, text or email. First Security Bank will NEVER ask you for your debit/credit card PIN or password for online banking. If you receive a suspicious notification, call Customer Support directly at (877)611-3118.