Grandparents scammed for $4k 'bond'

HASTINGS, Mich. (WOOD) - A set of Hastings grandparents fell victim to a telephone fraud scam and lost $4,000 trying to get their grandson out of a Mexican jail -- only to find out he was home, playing computer games.

The grandparents got a phone call on Nov. 20 from someone who claimed to be their grandson. The "grandson" told them he was arrested in Mexico and needed $2,000 for bond, and asked them not to tell his parents. The grandparents wired the money, as directed.

A few hours later, they received another call from their "grandson" who said he need another $2,000 in bond money. The grandparents wired the extra money, but their suspicions were aroused.

Soon, they called their daughter and asked where their grandson was. She told them their grandson was at home, playing on the computer.

The grandparents then called the Hastings police.

"These scams happen all the time, not just during the holidays," said Hastings Deputy Chief Jeff Pratt. "But I believe people are more vulnerable during the holiday season. If it's too good to be true, it probably is, and if you have to pay for something you won, it's probably a scam."