The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising community members that the grandparent scam continues to target local residents.
Recently, the Thunder Bay Police Service has received multiple reports of seniors receiving scam calls.
The scam involves residents receiving a phone call from a private number, with the caller claiming to be a lawyer representing the resident’s grandchild, who was said to have been arrested, involved in a motor vehicle collision, or require some other form of assistance. A voice can be heard in the background that is implied to be the grandchild.
The caller asks the resident to either electronically transfer funds to a provided email address, or to have cash available to be picked up by a bonds person.
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: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm