Police are warning local seniors about a recent surge in grandparent scams.
“In these scams, fraudsters call a senior citizen and claim to be their grandchild and/or their grandchild's lawyer,” said a news release from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
“Typically, they request large sums of cash, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, to help get their loved one out of jail or help with some other emergency. Someone posing as a courier service will visit the victim's home to collect the cash.”
Police are providing important information about these scams.
“Scammers thrive on urgency. They will pressure you to act immediately. Take a moment to pause and think,” the release said.
“Caller ID can be faked. The phone number might appear to belong to a trusted source, such as a loved one or even the police.”
“Hang up. If a call feels suspicious, ending it isn’t rude—it’s the smart thing to do.
If you stay on the call, you should verify their story. Ask personal questions only your grandchild would know.
“Contact family. Call your grandchild or another trusted relative using a known phone number. Do not share money or personal information. Confirm the situation independently before taking any action.”
Next, you should report the scam by contacting the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Call the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service at 705-949-6300 or report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre here for further support and resources.
Stay informed about recent scams affecting Canadians, tips to protect yourself, and steps to take if you’ve been victimized by visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
"By staying alert and informed, you can help prevent fraud and protect your community," the release said.