The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising community members that the grandparent scam continues to target local residents.
Recently, the Thunder Bay Police Service received a report of a senior citizen receiving a scam call claiming that a family member had been in an accident and was being arrested for impaired driving, with money required for bail.
Fortunately, in this case, the resident cancelled their credit card and alerted their bank before any funds were accessed.
The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit is urging family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by this type of scam.
Police advise community members contacted by a suspected scammer to remember that the best way to avoid being victimized is to hang up the phone, then attempt to reach the family member alleged to be in trouble to verify the story.
The fraudster may attempt to dissuade a victim from doing this by claiming the money is required immediately. This is a common tactic to prevent victims from practicing due diligence and should be viewed as strong evidence that a scam is taking place.
For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm