The OPP are asking the public to beware “grandparent scams” after such a fraud that occurred on Manitoulin Island recently.
The resident received a phone call from a man who was crying hysterically, pretending to be the victim's grandson.
He told the victim had been in a motor vehicle collision and needed finances in order to pay for damages and avoid criminal charges. The victim was extremely upset and believed the caller was his grandson.
The caller further told the victim that he was not to tell anyone about the situation or it would get worse. The victim received subsequent phone calls and provided funds totalling more than $20,000 to a Quebec address.
The Manitoulin OPP is reminding all residents to be extremely vigilant and to be alert for unsolicited calls.
If anyone should receive a call in this manner, please contact your immediate family and inquire if anyone is in need of assistance. Do not forward any funds without speaking to family members first.
Modern, tech savvy, scammers have personal information about you before they ever try to contact you.
It is imperative to verify unsolicited contact before you respond and provide information.
Keep your guard up when you receive a surprise call from anyone soliciting funds and indicating that a loved one is in jail or have been in a serious incident.
The Manitoulin OPP say the public is invited to a fraud prevention seminar Feb. 6 starting at 10 a.m. at the Little Current Library on Manitoulin Island.
