Kelowna Mounties are warning the public that seniors are being actively targeted with what’s called a grandparent scam.
Grandparent scams usually involve an elderly person receiving a phone call from someone telling them that their grandchild is in trouble and will need a large sum of money, possibly as bail, RCMP said in a press release.
“If you get a call like this, be prepared: the scammer may already know your grandchild’s name and what your grandchild calls you, for example, a nickname like Nona or Grampy,” RCMP said.
“Scammers request money to be wired right away without telling anyone. The scammer may try to convince you that your grandchild was in a car accident or arrested.”
In two separate instances in Kelowna, the scammer attended the victim’s residence to collect large sums of cash they had pre-arranged with the victims.
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RCMP said at no time will a government agency, the justice system or any other business request cash or other forms of payment like gift cards.
“If they do, it’s a scam,” RCMP said. “If you receive a call like this, don’t wire the money or give the caller any further information. Hang up and call your grandchild, or another family member, to find out what’s going on.”
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The Kelowna RCMP is actively investigating the crimes. Anyone who may have been a victim or have received a phone call asking for money is asked to call the RCMP at (250) 762-3300 to report it.
RCMP also urge people who receive scam calls to report them to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or email info@antifraudcentre.ca
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