OPP issues warning about ‘false and dangerous scam’

(FILE)

Provincial police are issuing a warning to Simcoe County residents after receiving “numerous reports of fraudulent phone calls.”

Police say suspects are calling residents claiming a loved one is in custody and demanding money for their release, known as the Grandparent Scam, which typically targets seniors, but could prey on anyone.

“This is absolutely false and a dangerous scam,” OPP stated. “OPP is committed to pursuing criminals who target our vulnerable and threaten the safety of our neighbourhoods.”

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says these emergency scams always involve immediate need for action, which should serve as a red flag. The fraud could involve email, text message or phone calls.

Officials say fraudsters will claim to be law enforcement officials, lawyers, or could impersonate a family member. They will say there is a ‘gag order’ to prevent the intended victim from talking to others about the situation.

“If you receive a phone call claiming to be from a family member in an emergency situation, hang up the phone and contact them directly using a phone number you already have, not one provided by the suspected fraudster,” the fraud centre advises, adding that if the fraudster claims to be law enforcement, call your local police directly to verify.

Additionally, the centre says to look for the red flags, and “listen to that inner voice that is screaming at you ‘This doesn’t sound right.”

Scammers can gather all kinds of information from social media to come across as legit and believable, they can even use technology to diguise the actual call displayed number to make it appear to be a trusted contact.

Police urge residents to report these scams by calling the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 and online.