I-Team update: Granny Scam Alert

The Chicago-area Better Business Bureau is issuing an alert about a popular scam. The BBB says it's seeing a surge in complaints about the "Granny Scam."

Now that students are returning to college, it is the perfect time for crooks to target family members who may really think they are getting a call from a grandchild, niece or nephew.

Here's how the scheme works:

International hackers and thieves are trolling social media accounts, getting your personal information and using it to trick your grandparents, aunts and uncles.

The person posing as you may tell your loved one that "you" are in trouble at college or that you got in an accident, or you are in jail in another country.

The relative is typically asked to wire a few thousand dollars to post bail, pay for damages or medical treatment.

"As we know the best defense is a good offense." says Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. "We want to arm grandparents with information that can help prevent them and their families from falling victim to this scam."

Tips from the BBB:

• Remain calm - Despite the emergency nature of the call try to verify the identity of the caller. Don't get caught up in the urgency which can lead to making emotional rather than logical decisions.
• Make direct contact - Confirm the status of the individual by calling them directly or verifying the story with other family members before taking action.
• Wire transfers - Any request to wire money through Western Union or MoneyGram should be seen as a "red flag" and an immediate tip-off that the call may be part of a scam.
• Report the call - If you have been victimized by this type of distressed loved-one call, immediately contact your local police department and the Illinois Attorney General's office.

Watch the original I-Team report from February here.