The “Grandparent Scam” is operating again in Northumberland County.
Northumberland OPP have received several calls this week from concerned citizens who have received such phone calls.
There are several versions of the scam, however, it generally works like this:
Scammers will contact their victims by phone, claiming to be their grandchild, a lawyer, or a police officer, representing their grandchild. They will then make the victim believe their grandchild has been arrested and needs help in the form of bail money, otherwise they will go directly to jail.
The victim will be instructed to go to their banking institution and withdraw cash to pay for their grandchild’s bail.
The scammers will then obtain the address of the victim, and physically attend the residence to collect the funds, posing as a courier or representative of the court.
Police did not report anyone falling victim to the scam but are warning residents to beware and suggest if you know a grandparent, reach out to them, and have a conversation about 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
