Broadcast Time: 12:15pm Date: Sept. 15th, 2023Eme
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) are collaborating to share their knowledge about the alarming rise in Emergency-Grandparent scams which impact some of the most vulnerable members of society. The 20-minute audio presentation (https://www.oacp.ca/en/Images/Note.mp3) featuring crime prevention experts discussing this type of fraud and sharing tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from these scams.
From January 1 to June 30, 2023, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has received reports totalling a staggering $9.2 million in victim losses associated to the Emergency-Grandparent scams. With just over four months remaining in 2023, it is anticipated that the losses will greatly exceed the 2022 reported losses, which totalled $9.4 million.
It is estimated that only 5-10% of victims report scams and frauds to the CAFC or law enforcement. According to the CAFC, seniors lose on average 33% more than other demographics.
Emergency-Grandparent scams occur when a senior receives a phone call from someone who impersonates their grandchild in order to gain credibility with the victim. The caller will claim to be in trouble and request money right away from the victim. Often, they will say they were in a car collision with a rental car, or they are under arrest and in jail in another city or country.
The “grandchild” will tell the victim they do not want their parents to know and ask the victim to keep it a secret. To make the story seem more credible, the caller might also put another person on the phone to act like a police officer, bail bondsperson or lawyer. The victim, wanting to help, will withdraw funds from their bank account and wire money to the “grandchild.”
The money is often sent through a money transfer service where the scammer can then pick it up at any location across the world. The scammer might also arrange for a courier to come to the victim’s home to collect the money.
To learn more about the Emergency-Grandparent scams and other frauds, visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
If you are or believe you may be a victim of fraud or know someone who may have been, contact the Sarnia Police Service to report.
Please also report such crimes to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501 or online on the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur.
Julie Craddock
Deputy Chief of Police
Tel: 519-344-8861, extension 6270
Email: 270@police.sarnia.on.ca