Dramatic increase in “Grandparent Scams” this year: Winnipeg police
CTV
The Winnipeg Police Service is warning the public after a dramatic increase in the number of “emergency” scams seen across Canada in 2021.
The Winnipeg Police Service is warning the public after a dramatic increase in the number of “emergency” scams seen across Canada in 2021.
In a release on Friday, police said there were 457 reports of the scheme, also known as the “Grandparent Scam,” in Canada throughout the first half of this year with many cases impacting Manitobans.
The scheme involves a fraudster calling seniors and posing as a grandchild or another family member. The scammer claims they have been arrested and need bail money or need financial help in an emergency.
Another variation sees the fraudster pretending to be a representative of the relative, such as an attorney.
Once the elderly victim has been tricked the scammer will send couriers to pick up money. Police said, in some cases, ride-share drivers have been used to collect the cash.
The release said there have been 136 victims in 2021 so far, totalling nearly $1.1-million in losses Canada-wide.
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is sharing some helpful tips and encouraging Manitobans to have conversations with elderly relatives about these scams:
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