Emergency and grandparent scams still a concern

Residents are reminded to be cautious, as so-called emergency or grandparent scams continue to target the community.

Suspects contact seniors or family members claiming that their grandchild or family member was in an accident, charged with an offence -- such as impaired driving or a drug offence -- or in some cases is ill. Suspects will claim that they are law enforcement officials, lawyers and even impersonate the grandchild or family member.

They will advise the victim that a payment for supposed bail or fines is required immediately in order for the family member to avoid going to jail. If the victim agrees to pay the requested amount, suspects will arrange to pick up the funds in person or will ask the victim to send cash in the mail.

 WARNING SIGNS – How to protect yourself!

1.  If you receive a suspicious phone call claiming to be from a family member in an emergency situation, hang up the phone and contact your family member or loved one directly.
2. If the caller claims to be a law enforcement official, hang up and call the police directly.
3. Listen to that inner voice that is saying, “this doesn’t sound right”.
4. Be careful what you post online. Scammers can use details shared on social media platforms and dating sites for targeting purposes. Suspects can easily gather names and details about your loved ones.
5. Be suspicious of telephone calls that require you to immediately take action when requesting bail money for family members in distress.

Be careful with caller ID numbers that look familiar. Scammers use technology to disguise the actual number they are calling from (called spoofing) and make it appear as a trusted phone number. Residents should be wary of any call or online communication they did not initiate. It is always best to independently contact the supposed sender and confirm the legitimacy of the correspondence before taking action.