Police warning community about grandparent scam after local seniors defrauded thousands of dollars

Lethbridge Police are advising the public of the presence of fraudsters in the community using the grandparent scam to prey on seniors. 

The grandparent, or emergency scam, involves criminals typically targeting seniors by calling and pretending to be a family member – often a grandchild – claiming they are in some kind of trouble and need money immediately. The caller may also pretend to be a police officer or lawyer acting on the grandchild’s behalf. They will ask for cash and may want to send an associate, posing as a police officer, bail bondsman or some other official, to collect the money. They may also seek payment in the form of gift cards, bitcoin, e-transfer or wire transfer. Victims are then given a variety of reasons why they need to keep quiet and not speak to anyone about the situation. 

Over the past two days, police have received an influx of calls reporting the grandparent scam. In two separate cases reported earlier today, scammers contacted older residents and in both incidents advised the victims their grandchild was being held at the police station and needed money. An unknown person subsequently attended each home and collected $7,000 and $8,0000 respectively. 

Anyone who receives an unsolicited call or any other form of contact from someone claiming to be their grandchild, another relative or someone acting on the family member’s behalf, is advised to disconnect the call. Do not provide any personal information and do not provide any cash or other forms of payment. 

Police are advising anyone with older relatives to get in touch with them immediately and ensure they are aware of this scam. 

To prevent victimization:

• Always verify a caller’s identity and the legitimacy of their story. Call the grandchild directly and if they can’t be reached, contact their parents, siblings or another relative who can help verify the story
• If a caller claims to be a police officer, lawyer, judge or other official call the police station or courthouse directly to confirm their identity and the legitimacy of the call
• Do not use any phone numbers or other contact details provided by the caller to try and verify information
• Do not provide money, gift cards, bitcoin or any other form of payment to someone you do not know
• Bail is always paid in person at the police station, courthouse or correctional centre and receipt of payment is provided. Police and court officials will never attend someone’s home to pick-up cash
• Never disclose any personal information over the phone to someone you don’t know

Anyone who has been victimized in a grandparent scam and not yet reported it, is asked to call police at 403-328-4444.