The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is receiving reports of a scam circulating in the community.

The “Emergency Scam” (sometimes called the “Grandparent Scam”) is not new, but unfortunately a Medicine Hat resident was recently the victim of such a scam and therefore the MHPS would like to remind the community to be aware of this scam and to warn their relatives.

Traditionally, fraudsters contact potential victims while posing as a family member or friend in urgent need of cash. Often the scenario involves an accident or arrest while travelling abroad, with a request that cash be sent through a money transfer company, such as Western Union or Money Gram.

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.

Victims don't 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 / or in some type of financial need). But don't tell Dad. He would kill me if he found out, please sent the money ASAP. I'm scared". Wanting to help their grandchild, the victim sends the money requested. Variations on the scam are an old neighbor, a friend of the family etc. but predominantly the emergency scam is directed toward the Grandparents.

If you or someone you know has received such a request for money, take measures to verify the requestor’s identity and the legitimacy of their story before you complete the transaction. If you have fallen victim to this scam, and have not already reported it, please contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416