SPRINGFIELD TWP., Mercer Co., Pa. - A 74-year-old woman from Mercer County lost $50 after a scammer convinced her that she was sending money to her grandson. Pennsylvania State Police said the victim sent the funds via Cash App on Tuesday to an unknown person who claimed to be a relative in need.

State police were sent to Springfield Township to investigate the theft. The investigation found that the person receiving the money was not the victim's grandson but a stranger using a fake story to trick her.

The Federal Trade Commission reports that these types of scams often work by creating a sense of urgency. Scammers may pretend to be a family member in legal trouble or a medical emergency to pressure victims into making quick decisions without checking the facts.

To avoid becoming a victim, experts from the FBI and the National Elder Fraud Hotline suggest several safety steps:

  • Verify the identity: Hang up and call the family member directly using a known phone number to confirm the story.
  • Ask a secret question: Ask the caller a question only a true family member would know, such as the name of a pet or a specific childhood memory.
  • Use a family password: Create a unique code word with your family to use during real emergencies.
  • Watch for payment red flags: Be suspicious if someone asks for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or apps like Cash App, as these are difficult to trace and recover.
  • Resist pressure: Scammers want you to act fast so you do not have time to think. Always take a moment to speak with a trusted friend or another relative first.