Police say they would like to remind everyone about the “emergency scam” – also known as the grandparent scam – after an elderly woman in the area was defrauded of $4,600.
On Nov. 9 at approximately 11:30am the victim received a phone call from an unknown female and a male, claiming to be her grandson.
The male told the victim that he was in jail in Quebec for a drinking and driving offence and needed money urgently.
The victim sent $2,400 to an address in Lavalle, Quebec via Western Union.
At approximately 1pm she received a second phone call requesting more money and an additional $2,200 was sent.
The victim realized she had been duped after she received a third phone call and decided to call her son, who informed her that her grandson was fine and had never been to Quebec.
Police are urging people to remember the following:
– scammers are counting on the fact people will want to act quickly to help their loved ones in an emergency;
– never send money to anyone who is not known and trusted. Verify the person’s identity before taking any steps to help;
– don’t give out any personal information to the caller; and
– ask the person questions that only the loved one would be able to answer. Call the child’s parents or friend to verify the story.
Anyone interested in more information on fraud can contact the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre.ca.
