$6,500 lost in Essex grandparent scam

OPP are warning of a grandparent scam in Essex after a victim is out $6,500.

Essex OPP is warning the public of a grandparent scam in the area after a victim lost $6,500.

On Friday around 9:30 a.m., police were called with a report of fraud in Lakeshore. Officers said the victim got multiple phone calls from a person claiming to be a lawyer and said the victim’s grandson was involved in a head-on collision, resulting in their grandson’s arrest. The suspect then said $6,500 cash was needed for bail.

Later in the same day, a man went to the victim’s home and took the cash, before leaving the Lakeshore area. OPP said the victim then caller her daughter, who confirmed it was a scam. Police were then called.

Essex OPP said the Crime Unit is investigating, along with 11 other grandparent scam reports in Essex County.

“Grandparent scams, also known as emergency scams, typically involve a suspect posing as a grandchild or other family member in urgent trouble, often claiming to have been arrested, in an accident, or stranded in another country,” Essex OPP said.

“The scammer pressures the victim to send money immediately and often asks them to keep the matter secret from other family members.”

Here’s how OPP say you can protect yourself:

• Stop and verify before sending the money by contacting the family member allegedly involved directly, by a known phone number
• Talk to other relatives or friends before sending money in an urgent request
• Be careful of payment requests by e-transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash couriers
• Never give out personal or financial information to unexpected callers

More information is available here or by calling the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.