Friday, September 21, 2012

Chinese Gourmet & "The Grandma Call"



We are cruising to eat at every restaurant on State Street in Orem.
   Today I enjoyed lunch with two special friends, N and S. We went to the Chinese Gourmet located just a hop, skip and a jump from our neighborhood.  Even though I drive by it almost daily, I have not eaten there for a couple of years.  And since I do like Chinese food, and I like all you can eat options, it is about time!

   Probably my favorite pick is the teriyaki chicken skewers.  They also have a Mongolian BBQ where you gather the raw veggies and meats and sauces in a dish and they stir fry it for you.  Good stuff.  While we were eating, N shared a story that she dubbed the “Grandma Call.”
   One recent morning, her phone rang and a voice said, “Hello Grandma.”  She responded and eventually asked the caller, “which grandchild are you?”  The voice said, “Your oldest grandson, of course.”  At that point, N just listened as he went on to beg, “Grandma, please do not tell any of the other family members about this call, I want to keep this confidential.” (do you see any red flags here?) He proceeded to tell a story of having marriage problems and heading off to New York with some buddies and ended up drinking a bit too much and having the proverbial book thrown at him after a DUI incident.  “Grandma, what do you think I should do?” he asked.  She merely replied, “You don’t sound like my oldest grandson,” (which was true, not only in voice, but actions and lifestyle.)  Then he hung up.  He did not get to the point of asking her to send money yet, but it certainly was leading up to that point.
  We discussed where he might have got her phone number.  It was easy to decide that it was because her husband had passed away recently and his obituary was in the newspaper.  From there, the scammer could get her name and location, and know that she is likely living alone, and older; as well as knowing that she has grandchildren. 
   I am so glad N is a sensible and vigilant person.  Yet, still it is very disturbing.  Also, I feel it is important to share these types of stories so that others may be warned.


I can’t find a website for this restaurant.