Emergency or Grandparent Scam

PUBLIC ADVISORY – EMERGENCY OR GRANDPARENT SCAM (Jan 20/10)
The Winnipeg Police Service has been receiving increasing numbers of reports of the “Emergency or Grandparent Scam”. The basic scam involves the suspect(s) calling an elderly grandparent, claiming to be his or her grandchild. The suspect(s) claim that they are in jail, or have some other critical emergency, and need money wired to his or her location. The grandchild further encourages the grandparent not to say anything to anyone as he or she is embarrassed about the incarceration.

In two recent cases grandparents used a money transfer service to send $3,000 and $7,000 to help their grandchild, who was later found to be fine.

The Winnipeg Police Service Commercial Crime Unit is involved in an ongoing investigation with other agencies at this time. The Commercial Crime Unit encourages all care providers, children and grandchildren to discuss this scam with older adults who may be in care facilities or who they feel may be susceptible to these pressure tactics.

For further information on this scam please visit Phone busters at: www.phonebusters.com/english/recognizeit_emergency.html