08/21/2025
OPP WARN PUBLIC OF GRANDPARENT SCAM TARGETING SENIORS
OPP WARN PUBLIC OF GRANDPARENT SCAM TARGETING SENIORS
The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) warn the public, particularly seniors, that the “grandparent scam” has surfaced once again. If you receive any unsolicited communication by any means asking for money to be given, be cautious and suspicious.
In these cases, the victim typically receives a frantic phone call (or an emergency email) from someone claiming to be a grandchild, son/daughter, friend or loved one. The scammer will explain they are involved in some sort of emergency which often involves legal trouble, a motor vehicle collision, a serious injury or trouble returning from a foreign country and that they need money right away. In addition, a person impersonating a police officer, may come on the line to say to pay now or the grandchild will go to jail or have to pay more money later.
With the emergency scam the scammer attempts to create a sense of urgency which may cause the victim to not verify the story. The scammer will often insist that the victim not tell anyone and to transfer the money that has been requested through a money transfer company or by bitcoin. In some circumstances the scammers have even sent couriers to the victim's residence to pick up the funds. Also, many scammers want to trick you into providing your banking and personal information. In fact, the criminals will fraudulently use your personal information to steal your money.
If a scam artist contacts you or if you have been defrauded contact your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). You can file a report with the CAFC by calling 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm EST) or by using their online reporting tool at www.antifraudcentre.ca.