Bank employee’s intervention prevents 93-year-old grandparent from being scammed

Aug 15

August 15, 2024

This is Mr. Campbell - who was NOT a victim of the "Grandparent Scam," thanks to early intervention by his bank and our Elder Fraud Unit. Mr. Campbell, 93, attempted to withdraw $15,000 from Truist Bank after receiving a panicked call from his grandson, who claimed he was in jail, needed help, and didn't want his Dad to know.

Days earlier, BPD's Elder Fraud Unit visited Truist Bank to discuss scams targeting senior citizens. With this heightened awareness, the bank employee who met with Mr. Campbell sensed a scam and asked him to return to collect the money the next day. She then contacted the Elder Fraud Unit and explained her concerns about Mr. Campbell, a longtime customer who rarely withdraws money, and who provided several reasons for why he needed the money before telling her it was for his grandson.

Det. Jim Curulla and Officer Deana McNeal met with Mr. Campbell, verified his grandson was not in jail, and explained the alarming tactics scammers use to prey on older adults, including impersonating relatives, using spoofed phone numbers, and stressing urgency.

Because of the partnerships BPD is building within our community, Mr. Campbell was not a victim. The scammer likely would have asked for much more than the initial $15,000 payment. Unfortunately, many senior citizens fall prey to scammers every day. Find resources to combat elder fraud on our website: bradentonpd.com/elder-fraud-unit