Prominent ‘grandparent’ scam on the rise in Redcliff and Bow Island

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on August 15, 2024.

news@medicinehatnews.com

RCMP say they have received several recent reports of the attempted grandparent scam calls being received by residents in Redcliff and Bow Island.

During the scam call, the suspect claims to be a ‘lawyer’ for their loved ones who have recently been hurt or incarcerated and require money for bail.

Police say the suspect will send someone to the victim’s residence to collect the money or have the vicim forward the money to them via email.

Suspects also typically pretend to be a police officer, judge or family member as well and usually ask for cash, gift cards or Bitcoin.

Police say suspects involved in the grandparent scam typically target elderly people, and this particular scam has occurred in several communities around the province.

RCMP would like to remind the public that bail is always paid in person at a courthouse or correctional centre, not picked up.

Police say if a person who calls you claims to be a police officer or judge, hang up the phone and call that police service or court house directly to confirm the situation. Police will never ask for any form of payment, as it’s not their duty.

Police also remind residents to never send money or give our personal information to anyone you don’t know over the phone. The police or courts will not ask for personal information over the phone.

If anyone has any information about the grandparent scam, or you have received a scam call, call Redcliff RCMP at 403-548-2288, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

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