Scammers using AI to target Lethbridge seniors with grandparent scam

Lethbridge Police are warning the public that there has been an increase in grandparent scams where artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to make the scams seem more credible.  

The grandparent scam, also known as the emergency scam, involves fraudsters typically targeting seniors by calling and pretending to be a family member – usually a grandchild – claiming they are in some sort 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 then 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 or e-transfer. Victims are given a variety of reasons why they have to keep quiet and not speak to anyone about the situation. 

In the recent Lethbridge cases, scammers are using AI to mimic the voices of grandchildren who state that they are in jail and need $9,000-10,000 for bail. Imitating representatives from legitimate local law offices, arrangements are then made to pick-up the money at the victim’s residence. Victims are also being directed to inform their financial institutions that the money is for construction or renovations in order to mislead them.

To further ensure that no others are victimized, LPS is encouraging residents to talk with their older relatives about what to do if they receive a scam call: 

• Always verify the 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 fallen victim to the grandparent scam and not yet reported it, is asked to call police at 403-328-4444.