Grandparent scams targeting seniors are on the rise, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) says. Fraudsters are impersonating police officers and claiming that a child or grandchild has been arrested and needs bail money. In the past two months, police have received 21 reports of seniors being targeted by these kinds of scams. The criminals usually create a sense of urgency, insisting that a payment be made immediately in the form of cash, credit cards, cryptocurrency or even in gold or jewelry. Police say that, in some cases, a courier is sent to the victim’s home to collect payment, or the scammer posing as a police officer will meet the victim in person. After the victim has paid the scammer, they will often continue to contact the victim and demand additional funds, claiming they are for legal fees, court costs, and other charges. Some victims have lost significant sums of money after being targeted repeatedly. “These criminals are manipulative, convincing, and highly skilled at creating panic. They deliberately prey on seniors by exploiting the fear and concern they have for their loved ones,” Staff Sgt. Mike Zaparyniuk of the EPS Financial Crimes Section said. EPS says police will never request cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, jewelry, or even credit cards to secure someone’s release. Police will not send a courier to collect money or financial information or demand payment over the phone. If you receive a call from a loved one asking for money, police are offering the following tips: Investigators are also asking people to talk openly with seniors they know about these scams. “We want seniors to know that it’s okay to be skeptical, even if someone claims to be a police officer. We won’t be offended if you question the call or hang up to verify who you’re speaking with,” Zaparyniuk said. “If someone is demanding money, creating urgency or telling you to keep a secret, those are major red flags. “We also encourage family members to have conversations with their parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours about these scams. A simple conversation can prevent someone from becoming a victim and losing their hard-earned savings.” Families are also encouraged to establish trusted methods of verification and discuss what to do if they receive an emergency call requesting money. Anyone who believes they or someone they know has been targeted by a grandparent scam is asked to call EPS at 780-423-4567.
