The Greater Sudbury Police Service has received complaints relating to the “Emergency” or “Grandparent” Scam and reminds seniors and vulnerable citizens that they are primary targets for scammers who prey upon their emotions and take their money.
Though the “Emergency Scam” (or sometimes referred to as the “Grandparent Scam”) has been around for years, there has been an increase in the number of complaints received recently.
In the typical scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from someone claiming to be one of his or her grandchildren. The caller goes on to say that they are in some kind of trouble and need money immediately. Typically they claim having been in a car accident, having trouble returning from a foreign country or needing bail money.
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)”. Wanting to help their grandchild, the victim sends money by a money transfer.
To guard against becoming a victim, check with another family member or trusted friend to verify the information before sending money or providing credit card information by phone or e‐mail.
For more information, visit
http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/recognizeit_emergency.html