Greater Sudbury Police have issued a warning after three Sudbury residents have been conned out of thousands of dollars over the past week in an apparent grandparent scam.
Police said between Sept. 24 and Sept. 25, GSPS received three calls from members of the public who were taken in by the scam.
“In all three instances, community members were contacted by fraudsters claiming to be the lawyer of a family member who was involved in a collision,” police said. “The fraudster claims to need the money for lawyer fees to represent the family member in court.”
Once they get someone on the hook, the fraudster then showed up at the person’s home to collect the money, which in the three most recent cases was between $5,000 and $15,000.
Police report the person who appears to collect the money is short man in his 40s, around 5-5 tall, wearing a black suit and a black surgical mask.
“If you have parents or grandparents who do not have regular access to the internet or social media, please take the time to have a conversation with them about scams,” GSPS advised.
“To protect yourself and your loved ones always take time to verify the story. Scammers are counting on you wanting to quickly help your loved one in an emergency.”
If you are contacted by a scammer claiming to represent a family member or loved one who needs emergency financial help, before handing over the money, it is advisable to contact the family member or loved one directly to confirm they actually are in trouble.
As well, police advise people never to send or to give money to anyone you do not know or trust and never to give out personal information, including your address, to unknown individuals calling your home or cellphone.
Anyone with information related to these incidents or the identity of the individual involved is asked to contact GSPS at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-8477 (TIPS).
