York Regional Police (YRP) are warning the public of a recent uptick in “grandparent scams” since the start of the new year.
Investigators with the YRP Financial Crimes Unit say they’ve seen a re-emergence in fraudulent phone calls targeting seniors and vulnerable citizens, with over $19,000 already being lost this year.
Police are warning that these scams typically involve phone calls where the fraudster will pose as a grandchild in distress and ask for money. In some cases, a second person will pose as a government official, police officer or lawyer who will provide instructions on how the victim can send money.
YRP says if you believe you’ve received one of these phone calls, never offer any personal or financial information or send money. Instead, they advise to hang up and call the grandchild in question or another family member to verify the information.
Anyone who is a victim of a “grandparent scam” is asked to report it to the YRP Financial Crimes Unit by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6627.
