Battlefords RCMP is investigating multiple reports of so-called grandparent scams and are asking for the public’s help to identify a man who may have information about the incidents.
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Police say they received several reports on Jan. 9 of emergency-style scam calls in the Battlefords detachment area. In the calls, a fraudster tells victims there is an urgent situation involving a loved one, often a grandchild.
In some cases, victims were told their grandchild had been involved in a collision and would be jailed unless a payment was made. In others, callers claimed the grandchild was already in jail and needed money for bail. Police say the caller then arranged to meet victims in person to collect cash.
RCMP say the calls are fraudulent and not from a trusted source.
Investigators believe elderly people are being primarily targeted. In some reports, the caller knew the real name of the victim’s loved one, making the scam appear more credible.
Police are advising anyone who receives a similar call to hang up immediately, not provide any personal or financial information and not follow through with requests for money.
As part of the investigation, RCMP are seeking to speak with a man who may have information related to the scams. Anyone who recognizes the man, or believes it may be them, is asked to contact Battlefords RCMP.
Police say they are also working to determine whether the incidents are connected to similar scam reports elsewhere in Saskatchewan.
RCMP are reminding the public to slow down when receiving urgent calls, verify information by contacting relatives using trusted phone numbers, and never agree to meet someone demanding money. They also warn that scammers can spoof phone numbers to appear legitimate.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud is asked to contact police by calling 310-RCMP. Anonymous tips can be provided to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online.
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