Hamilton Police warn of uptick in ‘grandparent’ or ’emergency’ scam calls

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Published November 16, 2021 at 8:04 am

Hamilton Police are warning residents about a recent uptick in scam calls.

According to a press release issued Tuesday (Nov. 16), over the past two months, the service has seen an increase in the number of ‘emergency’ or ‘grandparent’ scams being reported.

Victims of this scam receive calls from a fraudster posing as a grandchild or another family member. The caller claims they have been arrested and need bail money or financial help in an emergency and will ask for money to be sent to them.

Police said the fraudster will ask the victim not to call another family member and will often turn the phone over to another person, who will claim to be a lawyer or law enforcement official to give the appearance of authenticity.

The Hamilton Police Major Fraud Unit is offering some tips to avoid falling victim to one of these scams:

  • Be suspicious of calls that demand money or immediate action.
  • No law enforcement agency will demand immediate payment of currency.
  • Never offer information to the caller.
  • If the fraudster asks a question like “Do you know who this is?”, simply say no and have them tell you.
  • Contact another family member to confirm the story.
  • Remember to never send money to someone under uncertain conditions.
  • Don’t be afraid to say “No”.

Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to such a scam is urged to contact the Hamilton Police non-emergency line at 905-546-4925.

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