Posted by : Rita Sittler  On November 8th, 2024 9:33 am

      

The Medicine Hat Police Service is receiving reports that the “Grandparent Scam” is once again circulating in the Southern Alberta area.

In the typical scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con artist pretending to be their grandchildren. The caller will sometime say that they are in trouble, usually a car accident, returning from a foreign country, or even in jail and need money immediately.

Unfortunately, victims do not verify the story until after the money has been sent as the caller specifically asks “Can you please help me? I'm in jail (or in the hospital / legal trouble or in some type of financial need). But don't tell Mom/Dad. They will kill me if they find out, please sent the money ASAP. I'm scared".  Wanting to help their grandchild, the victim sends the money as requested. 

Variations on the scam are an old neighbor, a friend of the family etc. but predominantly the emergency scam is usually directed towards seniors and grandparents.

The MHPS is encouraging residents to talk with their older relatives about what to do when they receive a suspicious call:

•              Verify the caller’s identity and the legitimacy of the story. Call the grandchild directly and if they can’t be reached, contact their parents, siblings, or another relative who can help verify the story.

•              If the caller claims to a police officer, lawyer or other official, call the police station or officer directly to confirm the legitimacy of the call.

•              Do not use any phone numbers or other contact details provided by the caller to try to verify the information.

•              Do not provide money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or any other form of payment to someone you do not know.

•              Bail is always paid in person and the police station, courthouse or correctional centre and receipt of payment is provided.  Police and court officials will never attend your home to pick up cash.

•              Never disclose personal information over the phone to someone you do not know.

If you or someone you know has received such a request for money, contact your family or the MHPS who can advise you further.  If you have fallen victim to this scam, and have not already reported it, please contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

Cst. Kurtis Ladouceur
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-502-1188