“Emergency” or “Grandparent” Scams

An RCMP officer who was attending a bank on unrelated police business learned that a senior citizen was withdrawling a large sum of cash to send to a grandson in trouble while away on a trip. The RCMP officer and bank staff were able to convince the senior to contact family members and confirm some facts. It was later learned that it was indeed a scam.

Police warn the public to be on the lookout after noting a marked increase in the number of complaints in the last few months.

A grandparent receives a phone call from a con-artist claiming to be one of his or hers grandchildren. The caller goes on to say that they are in some kind of trouble, usually a car accident, returning from a foreign country, or even bail money and need money immediately.

Victims don’t verify the story until after the money has been sent as the caller specifically asks that they do not want other relatives to know what has happened by asking “Can you please help me? I’m in jail (or in the hospital / or in some type of financial need). But don’t tell Dad. He would kill me if he found out, please sent the money ASAP. I’m scared”.

What to do?

Phone the parent of the child

Ask for all the details – ask lots of questions

Ask for a number so you can call back

Call the RCMP

Protect yourself:

Be vigilant. Protect yourself and your family. Resist the pressure to “act  now”. Don’t panic. Know with whom you are dealing. Ask for his/her name and  coordinates and confirm them for yourself or request assistance from a member of  your family or somebody you can trust. Contact your local police to help you or  to verify the legitimacy of such telephone calls. Be wary of unsolicited emails,  telephone calls, or mail attempting to extract money from you or asking you to  transfer money electronically urgently.

Fraud – Recognize It. Report It. Stop  It.