Alberta man scammed out of $8.5K after fraudster pretends to be grandson needing bail money: RCMP

Parkland RCMP said they are looking for a man who made a call claiming the victim's grandson was arrested and needed bail money.

An Alberta man was deceived out of $8,500 in cash after being a victim of a “grandparent scam” last month.

Parkland RCMP say the man received a phone call on Jan. 27 from another man who claimed to be his grandson. The man on the phone said he had been arrested and needed bail money. He then arrived at the victim’s home a short time later and obtained $8,500 in cash.

Mounties describe the suspect as approximately 30 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, with some facial hair or beard, and he was wearing a dark coat.

The victim provided doorbell camera footage of the suspect to police. Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to contact Parkland RCMP by phone at 825-220-7267 (RCMP).

Officials are asking others to stay educated to prevent falling victim to fraud and to never give money or personal information to anyone you do not know. They say if you receive a call from someone claiming to be a friend or family member in need of emergency money, to hang up and call them yourself to verify their identity.

Police warn that fraudsters can change their caller ID information and use technology to impersonate the voice of others.