Drayton Valley RCMP says two locals have recently been stung by the ‘Grandparents scam’.
According to Mounties, both victims lost approximately $8,000.
Drayton Valley RCMP is advising the public there has been an increase in the number of “Emergency Scams” reported to the detachment this month. These scams are referred to as Emergency Scams, or sometimes “Grandparent” or “Grandchild” scams.
Police say these scams often involve a phone call being placed to the victim claiming a loved one is in trouble with the courts or law enforcement and a payment is needed to help them. The suspects will often pretend to be a police officer, judge, family member or the loved one themselves. Mounties say suspects will usually ask for cash, however, more recently they have been asking for payment by Bitcoin.
Drayton Valley RCMP wants to remind citizens of the following:
- Bail is always paid in person at a courthouse or correctional centre.
- Never send or give money to anyone you don’t know.
- If a person claims to be a police officer or judge, call that police service or court house directly to confirm the situation – police and courts will never ask for any form of payment.
- Scammers will try and convince you that you can’t hang up. Don’t let them. Remember that the police and the court will always give you a chance to call and confirm things.
- Never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone you don’t know—the police or courts will not ask for personal information over the phone.
- Police are obligated to properly identify themselves. If the individual on the phone or at the door does not show proper identification, refuse to speak with them.
—
RCMP say both files are under active investigation.
Comments