BATTLEFORDS – Battlefords RCMP are investigating multiple reports of ‘grandparent’ scams and are asking the public for help in identifying a male who may have information about these incidents.
On Jan. 9, Battlefords RCMP received multiple reports of ‘emergency’ or ‘grandparent’ scams in the Battlefords detachment area.
A fraudulent caller is contacting victims and telling them there is an emergent situation involving their loved one – often a grandchild. In some instances, the caller claims the victim’s grandchild has been involved in a collision and will be placed in jail unless the victim pays them a set amount of money. In other instances, victims are told their grandchild is already in jail, and a sum of money must be paid for their bail. The caller then makes arrangements with the victim to meet in person to collect the cash. These calls are not from a trusted source – they are a scam.
The investigation has determined the fraudulent caller is primarily targeting elderly people. In some reports, the fraudulent caller also knows the real name of victim’s loved one, making the scam more believable. Officers advise members of the public that if they receive a similar phone call, hang up immediately. Do not provide any information to the caller or follow through with their request.
Resulting from further investigation, Battlefords RCMP would like to speak to a male who may have information about these investigations. A photo of the male is shown. If this is you, or if you recognize the male in the photo, please contact Battlefords RCMP.
Battlefords RCMP continue to investigate and are working to determine whether these incidents are connected to other similar reports of scams that have occurred throughout other parts of the province.
To prevent being a victim of fraud, Battlefords RCMP encourage members of the public to take the following steps:
- Slow things down. Scammers create a sense of urgency when they call. If you are unsure if a phone call is a scam, hang up and reach out to your relative with a number you know and trust.
- Do not provide confidential, personal, or financial information over the phone if you receive one of these calls.
- Never agree to meet with someone who called you asking for money.
- Be careful; scammers can spoof telephone numbers and make it appear as though they’re calling from a trusted source.
- If you receive a voicemail from someone who is asking for money or stating that they are police, a lawyer, or another form of government official, do not call them back.
Battlefords RCMP remind the public that if they believe they are a victim of this type of fraud, report it to police. Battlefords RCMP can be contacted by calling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
More tips and information are available here: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/protect-protegez-eng.htm
