Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
CTV
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
“I have grandchildren, and it just kills me to think that something like that is happening to them,” she said. “And I would do anything to help my grandchildren.”
The story was that 16-year-old Mitchell had been out driving with friends when they were pulled over by the police. Drugs were found in the car and Mitchell ended up in jail.
“He said, ‘I need $8,000 to get out of jail today,’” explained Mabel.
She then found herself speaking to someone who claimed to be an RCMP constable.
Before long, she felt something was amiss.
“I said, ‘Look, I want my grandson’s last name’ and he repeated himself. I said, ‘I am not going to say anything to you until you give me my grandson’s last name.’ He got mad and hung up the phone,” said Mabel.