Just days after Barrie Police arrested a Quebec man in connection with the Grandparent Scam that netted thousands of dollars from victims, yet another person has been duped.
South Simcoe Police issued an alert after an 87-year-old Innisfil man became the latest victim. He lost several thousand dollars after receiving a call from someone posing as his son claiming to be in trouble with the law. Another person came on the line pretending to be a police officer seeking cash for the son's bail.
Police say Grandparent or Emergency Scams typically involve the victim receiving a frantic phone call from someone claiming to a grandchild or relative. The “grandchild” claims to be in trouble with the law and needs money right away. Often someone posing as a police officer will come on the line to instruct the victim on how to pay. Victims are told to keep the call secret due to an “ongoing investigation.” In a new twist, instead of asking victims to wire money, scammers send a “court courier” to the victim’s home to pick up the cash.
South Simcoe Police Service is urging residents to be vigilant and talk to elderly loved ones about this scam. Police remind everyone that in Canada, there is no cash bail system. You will never be required to provide cash, gift cards, e-transfer, or any other form of immediate payment to secure bail.
Please share these tips on how seniors can protect themselves:
· Ask the caller questions that only your grandchild/relative would know the answer
· Hang up and verify the story by calling the parents or other family member
· Resist the urge to act immediately and never give out personal information
Grandparent or Emergency Scams prey on your fear of a loved one being hurt or in trouble. If you have received a call or email like this, report it to South Simcoe Police Service at 905-775-3322 or 705-436-2141.
