Hamilton police issue warning about grandparent scam

Hamilton police are warning people about a grandparent scam that’s making the rounds.

The scammer calls and tells the intended victim that it’s their grandson or other family member and that they have been in an accident and need help.

READ MORE: 3 common phone scams happening this summer

In the past, the scammer claimed they needed money for bail or to pay a fine and they instructed the victim not to discuss the request for money with other family members.

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Scammers tell the victim to purchase iTunes or Steam gift cards in varying denominations.

The victim is them told to scratch the back of the card to reveal the serial number which is then provided to the scammer.

In both scenarios the victim doesn’t verify the story until after the money is sent or the serial numbers are divulged.

Police are offering these tips to prevent you from becoming a victim:

• Never enter your personal, credit card or online account information on a website that you are not certain is genuine.
• Check the website address carefully.
• Never give out personal bank information over the phone/email.
• Destroy personal information, don’t just throw it out.
• You should cut up, burn or shred old bills, statements or cards.
• Never agree to withdraw large sums of cash from your account and send it to a stranger or to meet someone you don’t know to give them the cash.