Burnaby RCMP warns public of fraudsters targeting seniors with “Grandparent Scam”

Burnaby, Public Alert

2022-11-29 14:14 PST

File # 2022-39464

The Burnaby RCMP is warning the public about a recent increase in frauds that commonly target seniors, also known as grandparent scams or emergency scams.

Victims of this fraud will often receive a phone call, with the caller telling the victim that their loved one or grandchild is in legal trouble. The fraudsters will then pressure the victim to pay a large amount of money they say will be used to pay bail.

There have been four recent cases in Burnaby where a caller claimed to be a lawyer representing a grandchild who needed money to pay bond after being involved in a criminal motor vehicle incident.

In each of these cases, the caller appeared to know details about the victim’s family, such as the name of their grandchild.

In two of the recent cases in Burnaby someone involved in the scam attended the home of the victim to collect the money.

In a third incident, the victim had agreed upon a meeting place with the caller. But when the victim went to withdraw money at the bank, an alert teller realized it was a scam, and stopped the transaction said Cpl. Laura Hirst with the Burnaby RCMP. We encourage everyone to discuss these types of scams with their loved ones, especially seniors who are most frequently targeted by these types of frauds.

If you get a phone call like this, police would like the public to know the following:

• Hang up and do not provide any information to the caller
• Do not send money to the caller
• Call your family members right away, especially the family member in question
• Report this information to police

All scams should be reported to the following:

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501
• Burnaby RCMP (non-emergency) 604-646-9999

Canadian government agencies, such as police or agencies related to the court system, will not phone individuals demanding cash payment or any form of payment. If this request is demanded of you, know it is likely a scam.

For more information please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Released by

Cpl. Michael Kalanj

Email: burnaby_rcmp_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: burnaby.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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