Prince Edward County OPP continue to receive calls from people falling victim to fraud but say an alert bank employee recently helped someone avoid becoming another victim to the grandparent scam.
OPP say the grandparent scam in particular has been running rampant lately.
In this scam, fraudsters claim to be relatives who were arrested and need money for bail.
They give instructions not to tell anyone and arrange for money to be prepared for pick-up.
The fraudsters will then arrange to attend a home address or provide shipping details to pick up the money.
Prince Edward County OPP say recently when a potential victim attempted to withdraw $10,000 from the bank, the manager of Customer Service at TD Canada Trust started asking questions and suggested the person talk to police and were able to help the individual avoid victimization.
Police also say more cases can end like this by following these tips:
Call the relative who is allegedly in trouble
Pump the brakes and ask more questions
Ask for credentials
Listen to the inner voice that says “this doesn’t sound right”
Criminal Justice System does not allow for someone to be bailed out of jail with cash or cryptocurrency
Be wary of any request to “not tell anyone”
Be cautious of the sense of urgency
And remember: legitimate agencies will never pressure you for information over the phone or demand money immediately.
The OPP believes there may be more victims and are encouraging anyone who has fallen victim to this scam to report it by calling police at 1-888-310-1122.
