Police seeing an increase in phone scam targeting grandparents

By CityNews Ottawa

Grandparent scam fraudsters are very active and targeting seniors this summer, with 20 reports received in the past seven days alone, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) stated in a press release. 

Victims have been defrauded of large amounts of cash, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.

Typically, it's an elderly person who receives a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandchild. The caller says they have been arrested and urgently need their grandparent to send money or gift cards for their bail.

The fraudster will make it difficult to understand what they are saying or to recognize their voice in an attempt for victims to fill in the blanks as to who they are. They are incredibly convincing and count on the emotional factor.

In the past week, victims who came forward to police told investigators that the fraudster said a gag order was in place to protect the identity of the police officer collecting the money. 

This fake secrecy demand puts victims in an awkward position and discourages them from telling others about the demand for money from a family member.

The OPS is reminding the community that police never ask for money for bail from family members or issue gag orders. 

Bail hearing in Canada takes place in court and does not necessarily involve money.

If there is a financial penalty involved, it would not be paid up front to a police officer by pre-paid gift cards or transfer to someones bank account.

If you get a call like this, you should:

  • never confirm any personal information over the phone.
  • always verify who is calling. If it is a family member as they claim, tell them you will call them back and use the number you have for this person. Don't use a number given by the caller. Use 411 or the Internet to get the phone number if you don't have it.
  • don't be pressured. Take some time to process what you have been told, to see if it makes sense. Ask a trusted friend or family member for their opinion, or if in doubt, call your local police service.

Make sure your elderly family members, neighbours and friends are aware of current scams and how they work.

You can get information from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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