KAWARTHA LAKES-Kawartha Lakes Police Service has issued a warning to residents after receiving multiple calls today regarding the grandparent scam.
The grandparent scam involves fraudsters attempting to scam older adults by pretending to be their grandchild or someone known to them in distress.
The grandchild scam usually includes the suspect(s) posing as a grandchild or relative who calls the older adult from a distant location. They then advise of some trouble they are in that requires money, for example, stating they were involved in a collision or were arrested by police. The caller then asks for money to be sent via courier, wire transfer or gift cards to assist them.
Kawartha Lakes police are actively investigating after receiving multiple calls today reporting the attempted frauds. Numerous Kawartha Lakes residents have reported receiving calls from someone believed to be their grandchild indicating they are in jail and need as much at $10,000 sent to grant them bail.
To protect yourself and others from this scam, consider the following:
- Don’t get flustered. Take time to think. The scammer will make it sound urgent to pressure you.
- Do not confirm any personal or financial information.
- Verify who is calling (offer to call back using the phone number you have for that person).
- Call someone you trust or police for an opinion about the call (scammers will say they don’t want anyone to know because they are embarrassed).
- Do not send any money.
If you believe you have been a victim of a similar scam, you can file a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or contact Kawartha Lakes Police Service 705.324.5252.
