Grande Prairie Mounties see recent increase in “Grandparent scam occurences

Mar 3, 2023 | 11:27 AM

Grande Prairie RCMP say they are seeing a recent uptick in the number of “Emergency Scam” or “Grandparent Scam” cases in our city.

In a news release, Sergeant Shawn Graham with the Grande Prairie detachment says they received six such complaints on Thursday alone, and he believes more have occurred but have yet to be reported to police.

The scam, which mostly targets seniors, involves the victim being called by someone claiming to be a loved one who is in trouble with the law, and in need of bail money to help them out.

The scammer may also pretend to be a police officer, a judge, or a lawyer representing the family member, and will ask that the money be sent to them, or given to an associate that will come and pick it up.

If this particular instance happens, Mounties say you should call the police detachment or courthouse to confirm the situation, adding that the police and courts will never demand that cash be picked up in person or mailed.

Police remind you to never give out personal information, including banking information, over the phone.

They add if you get a phone call from a family member needing help, make sure you confirm who that person is.

As well, they say do not fall for the scammer’s high-pressure tactics, and never fall for their requests to keep the matter a secret.

If you have received a call like this, you are encouraged to contact your local police detachment and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

by Jeff Henson