Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents about recent incidents involving the grandparent scheme, a fraud targeting seniors and vulnerable community members.
In these cases, victims receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a grandchild or relative in urgent distress. The caller often says they have been arrested, injured, or stranded and urgently need money for bail, legal fees, or travel expenses.
Victims are typically instructed to not tell anyone and are pressured to provide money immediately, often through cash pick-up, courier, gift cards, or electronic transfer.
Police have received reports of this scam occurring locally and residents are urged to remain vigilant.
How to protect yourself and your loved ones
Police are reminding the public to take the following precautions:
- Pause and verify – Hang up and contact the relative or another family member directly using a known phone number.
- Be suspicious of urgency – fraudsters rely on fear and pressure to prevent victims from thinking clearly.
- Never send money or gift cards to someone you do not personally know or cannot independently verify.
- Do not share personal or financial information over the phone.
- Create a family code word that can be used to verify real emergencies.
What to do if you receive a call:
If you receive a call believed to be part of the grandparent scheme:
- Hang up immediately.
- Do not provide money or personal information.
- Report the incident to police, even if no money was lost.
Reporting fraud:
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized by fraud is encouraged to:
- Contact the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at 1-888-310-1122
- Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or
- online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Police continue to work with community partners to raise awareness and prevent further victimization. Residents are encouraged to share this information with family members, friends, and neighbours, particularly seniors.
Fraud prevention starts with awareness. When in doubt, hang up and check it out.
