Ontario Provincial Police are putting out more warnings about the “Grandparent Scam” after a woman in Trent Hills lost $7,500.
Northumberland OPP say the grandparent received a call earlier this week from someone claiming to be her grandson indicating if she didn’t send him bail money he would go to jail.
The victim got the cash and was met at her residence by a person pretending to be a bondsman who then took the cash and left in a black van.
Police say what is particularly concerning about this type of scam is that the criminals are attending the homes of the victims to collect the money.
In this case, the suspect is described as a black male, approximately 25-30 years of age, with a slim build, wearing a hat, face mask, black jacket and black pants.
OPP ask that if you know a grandparent, reach out to them and have a conversation on what to do if they get a phone call like this.
Here are some tips to help navigate this scam:
Do not provide your home address
Do not provide any banking or personal information
Ask for a number to call them back
Ask for the address of the courthouse or police station they are being held at
Phone your local police service and report the incident immediately
Learn more about common scams in Canada with the Little Black Book of Scams: https://competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/04333.html
Northumberland OPP have also released a video warning:
Please share this with any grandparents you know. Help us help them by having a conversation on what to do if they get a phone call like this. This scam is worrisome as the criminals are attending the victim’s house in person as part of the scam. #NthldOPP @Nthld_County ^rs pic.twitter.com/9K1yM9C9oS
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) May 6, 2022
