York Regional Police is warning the community about the re-emergence of frauds targeting elderly and vulnerable citizens.
In January alone, police have seen an increase in reports, with victims from across the region being defrauded of more than $19,000, police said in a news release.
"These scams are often referred to as grandparent scams, as fraudsters will prey on a grandparent’s bond with their grandchild with the intent to defraud them. Criminals will place a telephone call to an elderly person while posing as their grandchild in distress, asking for money," police said. "In some cases, a second suspect will play the role of a government official, a police officer or a lawyer who then provides instructions on how the victim can deliver the money."
Investigators believe there may be more victims who have not yet reported similar incidents to police.
A list of ongoing scams, including grandparent scams, and tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, are available at yrp.ca/fraud.
Crime Prevention Tips:
- Never offer personal or financial information to the caller
- Call the grandchild or family member in question, at a phone number you recognize as their own
- Ask the caller personal questions that only your grandchild could answer but an imposter could not
- Verify the story or information with family first
- Press the caller for details if they identify as a government official and verify their information
- Never send money to someone you don’t know
- Please take some time and ask yourself: “Could this be a scam?” “Does it make sense?”
Citizens are encouraged to share fraud prevention tips with friends and family, especially seniors or newcomers to Canada, who are frequently the targeted victims, police said.
If you have been a victim of a fraud, and have lost money, report the incident promptly to the York Regional Police financial crimes unit online at yrp.ca/ReportIt or call 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6627. To report frauds where no money has been lost, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
