The police warn that the fraudsters of grandparents have increased

The Calgary Police Service is warning the public about an increase in grandma and grandpa scams targeting local seniors.

As of January 2024, approximately 32 incidents have been reported, including 21 incidents with a total loss of approximately $180,000. In nine reported cases, the victims realized they had been scammed. In the other two cases, it is not known whether the money was lost, as reported by a third party.

In reported incidents, suspects call potential victims, pretending to be their loved ones, telling them they've been arrested and need money urgently. They then ask for cash as collateral, often in the thousands of dollars.

Victims are then directed to wire money via wire transfer or in person through a bogus “bond collector” where victims are threatened with a false restraining order, which pressures them to keep quiet.

In most of these cases, the suspects are disguised as law enforcement officials and lawyers. It should be noted that officers of the Calgary Police Service and other law enforcement officers do not participate in collecting bail money from citizens over the phone.

Acting Sergeant Craig Stothard of the Calgary Police Service said, “These fraudsters are clever at obtaining personal information through a number of methods to make their story believable while tapping into the generosity, trustworthiness and willingness of adults to help their loved ones. “We encourage anyone who has been victimized to report the incident to the police or a trusted family member or friend immediately.”

We share the CCTV footage of the victim who lost thousands of dollars. We are asking the public to talk to seniors about their grandparent scams and to remind them never to give money to anyone who contacts them over the phone.

Information on how seniors can protect themselves is available on the Calgary Police Service website, along with a description of grandparent scams. If in doubt, contact an alleged family member or a third-party family member to help verify the story you've been told.

Anyone with information about the grandparent scam is asked to contact police anonymously at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers by any of the following methods:

CALL: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APPLICATION: P3 tips