The East Algoma OPP says an emergency/grandparent scam is prevalent in the Algoma District.
Constable Bev Gauthier says on July 8th, a grandparent was taken for an undisclosed amount of cash by someone posing as a police officer who said her grandson was being held in custody.
She says in a typical “emergency” scam, the victim receives a phone call or e-mail from someone claiming to be a friend or relative, like a grandchild in distress.
She says the caller or e-mailer goes on to indicate that they are in trouble, such as being in a car crash or needing money for bail.
Gauthier says the victim may then get a call from two people, one pretending to be their grandchild and the other pretending to be either a police officer or a lawyer.
Gauthier stresses under no circumstances, send anyone any money, call the police and the fraud centre right away and record the phone number or save the email for evidence.
If you suspect you may be the victim of fraud or have been tricked into giving personal or financial information, contact your local OPP detachment at 1-888-310-1122, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website at: www.antifraudcentre.ca
