Belleville Police Service responded to 68 calls for service in the 24-hour period from 5 a.m. on March 9, 2023 to 5 a.m. on March 10, 2023.
Grandparent Scam
Belleville police are reminding citizens especially seniors to be aware of and guard against becoming victims to scams. Currently, a very common scam is known as the “Grandparent Scam.”
Often in these types of scams, the fraudsters will attempt to use urgency and the manipulation of emotions to extort money from victims. Seniors will receive a phone call generally on a line land from a caller claiming to be a family member in distress. The caller will say they require money as soon as possible for a variety of reasons which may include things like hospital fees, lawyer fees or to be released from jail. The caller will give instructions “not to tell anyone” and that they will arrange to attend a home address or provide shipping details to pick up the money. It’s not uncommon for the fraudster to request up to $10,000.
How to Protect yourself
- Hang up the phone and call the relative directly with the contact number you have for them – NOT the one provided by the caller.
- If the caller claims to be a Law Enforcement Official or from the courts, hang up and call your local police agency directly.
- Listen to that inner voice which is saying “this doesn’t sound right”
- The Canadian Criminal Justice System doesn’t allow for someone to be bailed out of jail with cash or cryptocurrency
- Be wary of requests not to tell anyone
- Don’t get caught up in the sense of urgency pressure tactics.
Educational information regarding similar scams can be reviewed on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website
If you believe you are a victim of a similar scam, be sure to report it to your local police agency.
Break and Enter
On Thursday March 9, the Belleville Police Service attended the west end for a break and enter into a residence. Upon arrival, it was learned that a window was smashed and a TV and cell phone were stolen. Following an investigation, police located the suspect and he was arrest. A 40-year-old man of no fixed address was charged with break and enter, mischief under $5000 and theft under $5000. The male was held for a bail hearing.
