The Alberta RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Branch are warning the public of a grandparent or grandchild scam circulating in the province.
The scam will often involve a phone call to the victim with the scammer claiming to be their grandchild who is in trouble with the courts or law enforcement and needing cash to help them.
The scammer can pretend to be police or a judge and caution the victim to not tell anyone about the transaction. A courier is then sent to the home of the victim to collect the cash in person, or have it sent in the mail, an RCMP media release said.
In March, Alberta RCMP received five complaints about the scam and reported a total loss of more than $100,000 to victims.
“Not only is there a concern for the amount of money being lost, but a great concern for these couriers showing up in person to collect the cash,” the release said.
March was Fraud Prevention month, and now RCMP want to remind Albertans to never withdraw or send money to anyone they don’t know, and if they receive a phone call from a person claiming to be police or a judge, call that police service or courthouse directly to confirm, as police and courts will not demand cash be picked up in person or mailed.
If Albertans receive a phone call from anyone saying a family member is in trouble, they are encouraged to confirm with that family member before taking any action, and never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone they don’t know, as the police and courts will not ask for personal information over the phone.
If you fall victim to this scam or any other scam, call the local RCMP.
