POLICE investigate potential victim of a crime. Police photo.
Police have picked up their warning of residents to be on alert of scammers being aggressive or persistent in targeting seniors in the ‘emergency or grandparents scam.’
There has been 42 emergency scams reported in a one week crime spree in Halton Region and the GTA, according to police.
Halton Regional Police said there were 42 grandparent scams reported from September 26 to October 3, 2022. The losses to people, usually seniors, totaled more than $520,000, police said.
OFFICERS are on alert for the smooth-talking scammers.
Police said 22 of the 42 scams were reported in Ontario, where the losses totaled $115,000.
“These scams have often been targeting older adults,” Halton police said in a release.
Police said in the emergency scam an older person receives a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandchild.
The caller goes on to say that they are in some kind of trouble, such as being in a car accident or being put in jail, and that they need money immediately, police said.
“Some victims may get calls from two people, one pretending to be their loved one and the other acting as a police officer or lawyer,” investigators said. “The caller will ask the potential victim a series of leading questions which prompts them to volunteer personal information.”
Officer said the scammers will ask for money to be delivered in cash to a “bail bondsman” or an “employee of a law firm or court”.
“Victims often don’t verify the caller’s story until after the money has been given to the fraudster,” Halton police said.
Here are some police tips to help you prevent becoming victimized by these scams:
If you suspect you are being contacted by a fraudster, call police or 911 if it is an emergency.
If you are at a bank, do not lie to the teller – tell them why you are retrieving the cash. Employees are trained to assist you in recognizing possible frauds.
Attempt to verify the caller’s identity – do not volunteer any information, and further ask very specific probing questions about the caller.
Request to call back the initial caller – then independently find the number of the police and call them directly to clarify the situation.
Attempt to directly call the loved one in question and clarify the matter with them.
Remember that fraudsters will count on your good will to act quickly and help a loved one. Police, lawyers and the court will never ask you to give money to someone at your door.
Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.