'Grandparent Scams' Conning Thousands of Seniors Out of Cash
Law enforcement officials are warning seniors to beware of increasingly common "grandparent scams," in which fraudsters impersonate a grandchild in distress, and beg for cash.
Law enforcement officials are warning seniors to beware of increasingly common "grandparent scams," in which fraudsters impersonate a grandchild in distress, and beg for cash.
It's only getting harder for parents to pay for their children's college bills alone -- so help from generous relatives can be a godsend. But be warned: If the college savings plan grandpa is using isn't set up properly, that "help" can actually hurt the student's financial aid package.
In a shaky economy, senior citizens have become a prime target for scammers. Here are some of the common scams -- and warning signs -- to watch out for, along with some tips on how to protect your elderly loved ones.









