Further to Media Release for Thursday, March 24, 2022
Grandparent Scam Warning
Peterborough Police continues to receive complaints and investigate incidents of the grandparent scam happening in our communities. In another two incidents over $5,000 was requested and some money exchanged.
Peterborough Police are asking people to share the following information with their loved ones and net works.
If you think you may have been the victim of a scam, please call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x274.
Please remember, police or law enforcement officials will not call you asking for money or have a courier pick up money.
Anyone with information about any recent incidents is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Previous Press Releases:
March 11, 2022
March 15, 2022
How the Grandparent Scam Works
- The suspect calls the victim pretending to be a law enforcement officer, friend or the grandchild
- The suspect seems to know basic information but not necessarily specifics
- The suspect indicates the grandchild is in trouble or needs money
- The suspect tells you how much money is needed and that someone will pick it up at their residence
- The suspects demand the victim does not tell anyone about the phone and help create stories for the victim to use if asked why the money is needed
- The suspect will often call back asking for more money
What to do if you receive a call:
- Do not provide any personal information
- Do not hand any money over
- Remember police will never go to your door to ask for money nor would they ask money to be given to a courier
- Stay calm even if the suspect is pressuring and indicating this is an urgent matter
- Take the time to check the facts with family
- If you are concerned, it’s a scam call police or a person you trust immediately
- Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
Video Information:
Fraud Prevention – General Information
Detective Constable Keith Calderwood
What to watch for – Grandparent Scam
Narrated by: Sandra Dueck, Media/Communications Coordinator
Sandra Dueck
sdueck@peterborough.ca
705-876-1122 x217