The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising community members that the grandparent scam continues to target local residents.
Earlier this month, the Thunder Bay Police Service received a report of a senior affected by the scam, costing them $3,000.
The resident received a phone call from a private number, with the caller claiming to be a lawyer representing the resident’s grandson, who was said to have been involved in a motor vehicle collision. The resident heard a voice in the background that was believed to be the grandson.
The caller asked the resident to electronically transfer $3,000 to a provided email address as part of a payment for bail. The resident was then asked to purchase gift cards to cover the remaining amount that was requested.
At this point, the resident suspected the call was a scam.
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.
For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.