OPP across the east region are warning everyone about the “Emergency/Grandparent Scam”. In this scam the victim will receive a frantic phone call from someone claiming to be a grandchild or a loved one claiming to be in a situation such as a car accident or having trouble returning home from another country and in need of money. Police say there are signs to be aware of during these scams, including urgency, fear, secrecy and requests for money. Officer encourage everyone to check with a trusted family member or friend for information, before sending any money.
Be aware of some warning signs:
• Urgency– The scammer always makes the request sound very urgent, which may cause the victim to not verify the story.
• Fear– The scammer plays on the victim’s emotions by generating a sense of fear. For instance they may say, “I am scared and I need help from you.”
• Secrecy– The scammer pleads with the victim not to tell anyone about the situation, such as, “Please don’t tell Dad, he would be so mad.”
• Request for Money — Money can be requested by money transfer or in some cases the scammer sends someone to your home to pick up the payment.
To avoid 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.
If you or someone you know may have been the victim of an ’emergency’ scam, report it to the the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
(By: Tim Baltz)
