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Winnipeg Police is again warning about scams targeting the elderly, more commonly know as the “Grandparent Scam.”
Last October, Winnipeg Police issued an informative and cautionary media release in response to a dramatic increase in these scams where fraudsters contact elderly victims by phone, pretending that the victim’s grandchild or another family member has been arrested, and immediate bail money is required for their release. They arrange with the victim to have the funds collected in exchange for their loved ones’ release.
This scam has continued to flourish. Recently, couriers or rideshare drivers have gone directly to the victim’s residence to collect these requested funds, police said.
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“The public needs to be aware of this scam and its variations,” said Winnipeg Police in a release. “Police do not contact the public and demand funds be paid for the release of an arrested person. In some circumstances, an arrested person can be legitimately released to a person called a “surety.” A surety payment is organized through Justice; they generally make a payment at the Law Courts. Any payment requests by phone or via courier should be considered suspicious.”
As knowledge is critical when it comes to preventing these frauds, the public is advised to keep in mind the following tips: Be suspicious…
