GRANDPARENT SCAMS

Police Services within Windsor & Essex County are actively investigating several incidents involving the “grandparent scam”.

 The grandparent or emergency scam has several iterations; however, it generally works like this:

·        Suspects will contact seniors or family members claiming that their grandchild or family member, was in an accident and is being charged with an offence such as impaired driving or drug offences.

·        Suspects will claim that they are law enforcement officials, lawyers OR they will even impersonate the grandchild or family member.

·        They will advise the victim that a payment for bail, legal fees or fine is required IMMEDIATELY in order for the family member to avoid going to jail.

·        This deeply concerning trend has suspects obtaining the victim's address, and physically attending the residence to collect the funds, posing as a courier or representative of the court.

Investigators are urging people to speak to their loved ones about the “grandparent scam” and other common scams. Educating them is the best way to prevent victimization.

The Canadian Anti Fraud Centre website is a great resource to keep up to date on current scams.

If you have any information on those responsible for these scams, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-TIPS, or submit a tip online at catchcrooks.com.