Edmonton police say they received 21 reports over the past two months of seniors being targeted in grandparent scams, in which callers often impersonate police officers.
The callers claim a child or grandchild has been arrested and needs immediate bail money. They may demand cash, credit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold or jewellery, the Edmonton Police Service said in an Aug. 6 warning.
In some cases, a courier is sent to the victim’s home to collect payment, or someone posing as an officer meets the senior in person. After an initial payment, fraudsters may seek more money for supposed legal fees or court costs. Police said some victims have been repeatedly targeted and suffered substantial losses.
Staff Sgt. Mike Zaparyniuk of the EPS Financial Crimes Section urged people to stop, hang up and independently verify the claim.
What police say to watch for
EPS said police will never:
- request money, gold, gift cards, cryptocurrency or credit cards to secure someone’s release;
- send a courier to collect money, valuables or financial information;
- demand immediate payment by phone; or
- tell someone to keep a police matter secret from relatives or friends.
Anyone receiving such a call should hang up without providing personal or financial information, then contact the relative using a known legitimate number or speak with another trusted person. Families can also agree in advance on a way to verify an emergency request for money.
People who believe they have been targeted can call the EPS non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or dial #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.