NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE POLICE SERVICE
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Barrie Police Service has recently had an influx of reports in regards to the "Grandparent Scam" or "Emergency Scam" where a person gets a call or an email unexpectedly from someone who claims to be a friend or relative.
This often happens to grandparents with the caller claiming to be their grandson or granddaughter, or someone calling on behalf of their grandchild.
The caller says there’s an emergency and asks you to send money immediately.
Here are some simple rules of thumb to PROTECT YOURSELF:
- REMEMBER- Scammers are counting on the fact you will want to act quickly to help your loved ones in an emergency.
- CAUTION- Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust. Verify the person’s identity before you take any steps to help.
- THINK- Don’t give out any personal information to the caller.
- INVESTIGATE- Ask the person questions that only your loved one would be able to answer. Call the child’s parents or friends to verify the story.
- ASK YOURSELF- Does the caller’s story make sense
If you think you have spotted a scam or have been targeted by a scam please advise your financial institution.
If you receive this type of scam on your mobile device advise your mobile provider.
You can also report fraudulent scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or at www.antifraudcentre.ca
Protect yourself and your family! For more information on scams download or review “The Little Black Book Of Scams”
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