Warning about increase in grandparent scam attempts

(FILE)

A sudden rise in complaints to Windsor police about the grandparent scam has resulted in a warning being sent out to the community.

Police received multiple reports on Tuesday from people believing they were the target of the scam that goes after seniors and other vulnerable community members.

Constable Bianca Jackson says they want the community to know there has been an uptick in calls, and people need to be careful about giving out information over the phone.

“Any time you feel that this is not right, hang up the phone and verify the caller. If it is important, they will call you back. Then you can ask specific questions that only your family member should know,” she says.

The scam typically involves the would-be victims receiving a phone call from someone claiming that their grandchild or relative had been arrested or was in urgent distress.

The caller then asks that money be sent urgently for bail, legal fees, or other expenses.

Jackson says the scam usually involves the victim going to a bank to get cash and in many cases, arrangements are made to collect the money.

“They don’t want the person to drop the money off somewhere; they want to come pick it up from that person, which is alarming. Now this person not only has your funds, but they also know where you live,” she says.

Jackson says they’re asking family members and neighbours of someone who may be elderly or vulnerable to take a moment to give them tips to protect themselves.

“You sit down and have a conversation about what to do when they receive these phone calls. Number one, hang up and let that person know that they can call you to ask further questions,” she says.

Windsor police recommend the following steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Pause and verify the caller. Hang up and contact the family member directly.
• Be wary of urgent money requests, especially for bail or legal fees.
• Never send money or gift cards to someone who comes to your home.
• Ask personal questions only your loved one would know.
• Talk to seniors in your life about this scam.

Click here to find more information about the scam and ways to protect yourself.

If you receive a call, you believe may be part of the grandparent scam, hang up immediately and report the incident to the Windsor Police Financial Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4330.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.