Family/Grandparent Scam
With the holiday season in full swing, the Moose Jaw Police Service is advising the public to be vigilant of the “Grandparent/Parent Scam”, as it may begin to re-circulate within the community.
In the “Grandparent/Parent Scam,” the caller pretends to be a grandchild or family member who has been arrested or is in danger.
The caller immediately indicates they need money and states that a lawyer, police officer, or judge will contact them. Once information is obtained from the initial call, someone impersonating a lawyer, police officer, or judge makes a second call to the “victim.” The “victim” is instructed to withdraw a large amount of money and await further directions.
The MJPS, lawyers, judges, or jails do not call people personally to request money. Also, if the caller is requesting payment via gift cards or Bitcoin, it’s a scam.
Though the MJPS hasn’t received any reports in recent weeks, residents are asked to remain cautious.
If you become suspicious of the call, reach out to your grandchild or family member to verify the claims or requests.
In previous investigations, the scammer has gone to the victim’s house to collect the payment in person or had the victim deposit large sums of money into a Bitcoin ATM. If someone asks to come to your home to pick up payment, it’s a scam.
The Moose Jaw Police Service would like to remind the public not to provide personal information over the phone.
Police are encouraging families and friend groups that consist of older and/or vulnerable adults to openly discuss the Family/Grandparent Scam to prevent continued victimization in the community. If you have received a suspicious call and suspect fraud but have not been victimized, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
For additional scam prevention tips visit the Moose Jaw Police Service Facebook and Instagram channels.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, please get in touch with the Moose Jaw Police Service at 306-694-7600. If you prefer to remain anonymous, call the Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers with your information at 1-800-222-8477, go online at p3tips.com, or download the mobile app.
For more information on fraud attempts visit Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca)