Ottawa 'grandparent' scam victims defrauded out of $10,000 to $30,000 over the past week, police say
Ottawa police are warning the public that so-called "grandparent" scam fraudsters are active this summer, after receiving reports of people being defrauded out of $10,000 to $30,000 over the past seven days.
Police have received 20 reports of people being targeted by fraudsters over the past week.
In the "grandparent" scam, an elderly person receives a phone call from someone claiming to be his or her grandchild, police said.
"The caller says that they have been arrested and they urgently need you to send money or gift cards for their bail," police said in a media release on Friday.
"The fraudster will make it difficult to understand what they are saying or to recognize the voice in an attempt for victims to fill in the blanks as to who they are. They are incredibly convincing and count on the emotional factor."
Police say the victims have told investigators they were made to believe by the fraudster that a "Gag Order" was put in place to protect the identity of the police officer who is going to be collecting the money.
"This fake secrecy demand puts victims in an awkward position; they will then shy away from telling any other persons about the demand for money from a family member," police said.
Police say officers will never ask for money for bail from family members, nor will they issue "Gag Orders" on the identity of the officer.
If you do receive a suspicious call, police recommend doing the following:
- Never confirm any personal information over the phone.
- Always verify who is calling. If it is a family member as they claim, tell them you will call them back and use the number you have for this person.
- Don’t be pressured. Take some time to process what you have been told, to see if it makes sense. Ask a trusted friend or family member for their opinion, or if in doubt, call your local police service.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.