Police continue to receive a high volume of reports of well-known phone scam

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 5, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

Throughout 2024 the Medicine Hat Police Service issued several public notices highlighting the “Grandparent Scam,” and police say they continue to receive reports about the scam circulating in the area once again in 2025.

In a typical scenario a victim, generally a senior or grandparent, will receive a call from a scammer pretending to be a family member who is in trouble and requires immediate financial aid.

For example, the caller will pretend to be a grandchild who was recently involved in a car accident, or arrested and needs money immediately.

Variations on the scam can include friends of the family, old neighbours or friends, but phone calls predominantly involve an emergency situation and the need to transfer money immediately.

Police say these high-pressure tactics used by the scammers are used to prevent victims from verifying their story until after money has been transferred.

The MHPS posted the following example of dialogue that may be used during a scam call to their Facebook page that reads “Can you please help me? I’m in jail (or in the hospital, or legal trouble or in some type of financial need) but don’t tell mom or dad, they will kill me if they find out, please send the money ASAP. I’m scared.”

Police are encouraging the community to reach out to all older relatives about what to do if they receive a suspicious call.

– Verify the caller’s identity and the legitimacy of the story.

– Call the grandchild directly and if they can’t be reached, contact their parents, siblings or any other family member that can verify the story.

– Do not provide money, gift cards, any form of cryptocurrency or any other form of payment to someone you do not know.

– Never disclose personal information over the phone to someone you do not know.

– Do not use any phone numbers or details provided by the caller to try and verify their story.

Police also want to remind residents bail is always paid in person, and police or court officials will never attend your home to pick up cash.

Always verify if a caller claims to be a law enforcement officer, lawyer or other official by directly confirming with the associated detachment, business or law officer.

Police are asking anyone who has received a request for money to contact members of your family or MHPS for further advice. If you have fallen victim to this scam and have not reported it please contact police at 403-529-8481.

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