Police out with warning about fraud targeting seniors
Posted Feb 24, 2022 08:50:11 PM.
Waterloo Regional Police are warning residents about recent frauds targeting seniors.
It's often referred to as the grandparent scam or emergency scam.
Police say the person running the fraud contacts the victim, claims a family member is in crisis and needs money. Usually the victim is instructed to send money immediately. In some cases, a second call will be made by someone pretending to be a police officer or lawyer.
Cambridge grandparents, both in their 70s, were targets of the scam as recently as Wednesday.
According to police, they received a call from a male claiming to be their grandson, who told them he had been in a collision and was in custody. The fraudster told them he needed $14,000 to cover the damages, even attending the victims' home to collect the cash.
Another incident in Cambridge on Wednesday, saw the victims defrauded out of over $4,000.
The suspect in both incidents is described as a white male, approximately 5’6” tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
The rest of the details were contained in a news release:
To protect yourself and others from this type of scam, consider the following:
- Take time to think. The fraudster will make it sound urgent to pressure you.
- Contact the family member in question. Emotions might be running high but take the time to check.
- Ask questions only family members would know.
- Call someone you trust or police for an opinion about the call (fraudsters 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 Waterloo Regional Police at 519-570-9777.
