SCAM ALERT: Be aware of grandparent scam
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising community members that the grandparent scam continues to target local residents.
Scammers will call potential victims, claiming that a family member was involved in an accident or had been arrested, with money urgently needed to address their situation. The fraudster may claim to be a lawyer or law enforcement officer.
These calls frequently target elderly residents or other vulnerable individuals.
The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit is urging family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by this type of scam.
Police advise community members contacted by a suspected scammer to remember that the best way to avoid being victimized is to hang up the phone, then attempt to reach the family member alleged to be in trouble to verify the story.
The fraudster may attempt to dissuade a victim from doing this by claiming the money is required immediately. This is a common tactic to prevent victims from practicing due diligence and should be viewed as strong evidence that a scam is taking place.
March is Fraud Prevention Month. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime
