Smiths Falls, Ont. couple loses $8,000 in 'grandparent scam'
Police in Smiths Falls are issuing a warning about a scam targeting the elderly population.
Dubbed the "grandparent scam", police say it is on the rise in the region and it preys on the emotions of the victims, often involving grandchildren.
"It's unfortunate in these kinds of scams, grandparents will do anything for their grandkids most of the time," says Smiths Falls Police Service detective Tyler Brett.
"A lot of the times elderly people are a lot more trusting than the younger generation and then that trust is what these suspects prey on."
Recently a couple in their 60s in Smiths Falls were taken for $8,000.
The victims, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of being victimized again, said they received a call Thursday from someone impersonating their grandson. They claimed he was in a car accident and had been arrested for distracted driving.
"In this case, they said that they injured their nose so that's why their speech was off," Brett told CTV News.
"They honestly believed they were on the other end of the phone, but they weren't."
The phone was then passed to another person, claiming to be a lawyer. The victims were told they needed $8,000 for their grandson's bail.
They went to the bank and took out a loan. Later that day the scammer arrived at the home and took the money.
"Now, of course, a police service or courthouse would never actually do this," says Brett.
The victims said the scammers were well rehearsed and did not hesitate when faced with questions. Police say these types of fraudsters do extensive research through social media.
The suspect has not been identified at this time and the victim's money has not been recovered. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
"If you're not sure, if someone is calling you and you're not sure just call the police service," says Brett.
"Call us and ask us."
(Screenshot of doorbell footage supplied by Smiths Falls Police Service, of the suspect being sought in the recent grandparent scam)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.