NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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8 District Grimsby uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service and detectives from the NRPS Central Fraud Unit are investigating a rash of “grandparent scam” incidents over the last 48 to 72 hours.
Investigators have reason to believe a criminal team is active in the area targeting west Niagara vulnerable seniors.
There have been eight known victims with financial losses of over $63,000.
The victims are being contacted by telephone and being convinced that a loved one (grandchild) is in legal peril and that only money will solve the problem.
In the recent incidents victims are being asked to attend a local bank and withdraw large sums of money.
A criminal courier will then meet up with victim to collect the money, often attending the victim’s home.
In an effort to protect the vulnerable victims from scams we would like to ask the public to take a “NRP me plus three” approach to scams.
Seek out information from an official source, educate yourself and then educate three persons in your life who may be vulnerable to becoming victims of scam crime.
Prevention safety tips:
- Never confirm any personal information over the phone
- Always verify who is calling
- Don’t be pressured. Stop. Take some time to process what you have been told, to see if it makes sense
- Ask a trusted friend or family member for their opinion
- If you’re in doubt, call your local police service
The Point Sale Scam Intervention Program has been designed with detectives from the NRPS Central Fraud Unit to create awareness and education for retail and financial institution employees with the goal of providing intervention at the point of sale.
Retailers and financial institutions are encouraged to download the education program for their employees to view.
The education program works in conjunction with a NRPS poster to support the employees which is also available for download.
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