NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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CALEDON – Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a "grandparent scam" that was reported by a Caledon resident earlier this week.
The elderly complainant reported that they received a phone call from a male party claiming to be their grandson. The imposter stated that he was involved in a collision and needed $12,000 to pay off other drivers, or else he would go straight to jail.
The grandparent became very concerned and immediately withdrew $12,000 from the account and mailed it to an address in Quebec.
The following day, the "grandson" called back asking for another $6,000. The elderly complainant refused to send more money, and reached out to their relative, who then reported the incident to Caledon OPP.
Caledon OPP would like to advise the public to be aware of the grandparent and other emergency scams targeting seniors in our community. Emergency scams prey on your fear of a loved one being hurt or in trouble. Scammers claim to be someone you know and tell you they need money immediately.
Protect yourself and your loved ones from the "grandparent scam":
- Ask your "grandchild" to prove who they are and call the child's parents;
Verify an emergency - resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is; - Never offer information - press the caller for details and ask questions your real grandchild could answer and an imposter could not;
- Never wire money/gift cards, or send money by courier as it's nearly impossible to trace;
- HANG UP.
If you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti‐Fraud Centre at 1‐888‐495‐8501 or report online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca; you can also contact your local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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