MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Police Service is warning the public about the “Grandparent/Parent Scam” after the agency received more than 30 reports on March 26, with a few callers saying they had fallen victim.
The MJPS wants the public to be vigilant, because in this scam, the fraudsters specifically target the elderly population. These scammers are researching their victims and their families through sources such as social media and obituaries before making contact.
Police have also discovered that the scammers are using the real names of their victims and, in some cases, their family members.
In the “Grandparent/Parent Scam,” the caller pretends to be a grandchild or family member who has been arrested or is in danger. The caller immediately indicates they need money and states that a lawyer, police officer, or judge will contact them.
Once information is obtained from the initial call, someone impersonating a lawyer, police officer, or judge makes a second call to the “victim.” The “victim” is instructed to withdraw a large amount of cash and await further directions.
Police officers, lawyers, judges, or jails do not call people to request money, especially cash. Also, if the caller is requesting payment via gift cards or Bitcoin, it’s a scam.
If you become suspicious of the call, contact your grandchild or family member to verify the claims or requests.
The Moose Jaw Police Service wants to remind the public not to provide personal information over the phone.
Police are encouraging families and friend groups that consist of older and/or vulnerable adults to openly discuss the Family/Grandparent Scam to prevent continued victimization in the community. If you have received a suspicious call and suspect fraud but have not been victimized, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
For additional scam prevention tips, visit the Moose Jaw Police Service’s Facebook and Instagram channels.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, call the Moose Jaw Police Service at 306-694-7600. If you prefer to remain anonymous, call the Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers with your information at 1-800-222-8477, go online at p3tips.com, or download the mobile app.
For more information on fraud attempts, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
