Spike in grandparent scams in Sudbury, North Bay

With a recent rise in grandparent scams in northern Ontario police are encouraging residents to have conversations with their loved ones about the risks.

Seniors in North Bay and Sudbury Ontario Provincial Police are being targeted by scammers, police said Monday in a warning.

“The scammers targeted seniors by playing upon their emotions and fear of a loved one being in police custody,” the OPP said in a news release.

Often with this type of scam, a victim will receive a phone call from someone pretending to be a grandchild or loved one.

“The caller will explain that they are involved in some sort of mishap like a car accident, in police custody or are having trouble returning from a foreign country and need money right away,” police said in a news release.

Claim to be law enforcement

“The scammer will often insist that the victim … not tell anyone. The call could also involve someone claiming to be a law enforcement official, lawyer or bailiff.”

Scammers will often use information from a victim’s social media to find out the names of loved ones, their interests, phone numbers and information about when you are home or away.

Warning signs of a scam include urgency – scammers almost always pressure the victim to make decisions immediately, “which may cause the victim to not verify the story,” police said.

“The scammer plays on the victim’s emotions by generating a sense of fear. For instance, they may say, ‘I am scared, and I need help from you.’”

The victim is manipulated into keeping things secret, with the supposed loved one saying such things as, ‘Please don’t tell dad, he would be so mad.’

Will visit homes

Money is requested through an online transfer, or a scammer will actually visit the home to collect it in person.

“To avoid becoming a victim, check with another family member or trusted friend to verify the information before sending money or providing credit card information by phone or email,” police said.

“The OPP will never contact the public to demand cryptocurrency or funds in connection with money laundering or major criminal investigations.”

If you are contacted in this manner, call the toll-free OPP number 1-888-310-1122 to verify. It’s available 24/7 for non-emergency calls in Ontario.

If you suspect fraud, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online to remain anonymous.

Reports can also be made to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre via the online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.