The Winnipeg Police Service continues to receive reports of local "grandparent scams" (also known as "emergency scams"). The Financial Crime Unit is investigating these matters but wishes to remind the public of the scam and provide information.

The Financial Crimes Unit notes an increase in reports of the 'grandparent scam' in Winnipeg again. This scam tricks unsuspecting individuals into sending money under false pretenses.

The grandparent scam typically involves an unknown person (the fraudster) targeting and then contacting a senior (the grandparent) by phone during the day, usually from a random or unknown phone number.

They pose as a grandchild, or another family member, in distress who has been arrested and needs bail money. They may also pose as a representative of the detained relative, such as an attorney or a bail-bondsman.

The fraudsters then send couriers to collect the money in person from the victim’s residence. In some instances, ride share drivers are used to pick up the money.

A variation of the scheme involves phone call or email from someone claiming to be a friend or family member who is in some kind of trouble and requires money immediately.

The fraudster attempts to create a sense of urgency with the grandparent in the hope of eliciting an emotional response and will often tell the senior not to tell anyone else in the family about what is occurring. They will often say there is a “gag order” in place. It works because family members, especially grandparents, want to help their grandchildren in any way they can.

The fraudster will attempt to convince the grandparent that they need money in a hurry. Some have even gone as far as ordering taxis to take the grandparent to the bank if they no longer drive. The fraudsters will then later arrange to have a courier go to the grandparent’s home to obtain the funds. The courier may be a scammer — or another victim of the scam.

Reject It

There are several things you can do to protect yourself:

If you do not recognize the phone number calling you, let it go to voicemail.
If someone calls you and to rush you into taking quick action, tell them you will call them back and hang up. Then call a trusted family member.
Last, rest assured that police will never ask you for money directly to “bail out” a loved one. The bail process is done through the court system and requires you to attend the courthouse.
When in doubt, just hang up!

Report It

If you believe you have been victimized by a grandparent scam, contact the Winnipeg Police Service non-emergency line at 204-986-6222 to make your report, or submit it online at:  https://www.winnipeg.ca/police/services/report-crime.

For more information on warning signs or how to protect yourself, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.