Grandma Scam on the Rise; Seniors Warned to Take Care

Grandma Scam on the Rise; Seniors Warned to Take Care


The District Attorney's Office is warning the public about an ongoing scam targeting the elderly. Law enforcement has seen an increase in the number of reported victims in the so-called "Grandma Scam."



Crooks prey on grandparents by pretending to be a grandchild in trouble in a foreign country who needs money right away. The scam is


DA Dumanis warns seniors about the "Grandma Scam." Anna (right) is a recent victim. She wired about $3,000 to Mexico.

effective because it catches seniors off guard and tugs at their heartstrings.



"It may be hard to believe that someone would fall for this despicable scam," DA Dumanis said. "But, it happens all too often. Our office urges the public to spread the word on how the scam works so we can reduce the number of victims."








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DA CRIMINAL

CASE FILES



Thomas Everett Taylor, 65, was sentenced to 22 years in state prison for beating his sleeping wife to death with a "police-style'' flashlight.



Mark Kaczmarczyk, 59, who was found guilty in March of felony child abuse and lewd act on a child, was sentenced to eight years in prison. His wife Anita Kaczmarczyk, 45, was convicted of misdemeanor and felony child abuse and was sentenced to six years in prison. The couple operated an in-home day care.



David Thomas Blood, 51, pleaded guilty theft, burglary assault and other charges for his role in in tackling a woman in Hillcrest and trying to rape her. Blood is facing up to 48 years-to-life in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced this month.



Mark Anthony Diaz, 50, was convicted of first-degree murder and
other charges, and faces up to 96 years to life in prison, after fatally shooting another trainer and two others at a Vista gym. He will be sentenced at the end of the month.