Peterborough Police Investigating After More Reports Of Grandparent Scam Cost Senior $12,000
/Peterborough Police are investigating after learning of more grandparent scam incidents.
On Tuesday officers were made aware of an incident where a 75-year-old victim was asked for $12,000. Money was exchanged at their residence on March 11.
The suspect was described to police as:
Black male
Stocky
Wearing a black hoody and black pants
On the evening of March 11, officers were made aware of the incident after the scammers called back and requested another $10,000 from the 87-year-old victim. The day before the victim had received a call that their grandson was in custody and $10,000 was required for his release. The victim attended two banks to get the money. A person attended the victim’s home, and the money was handed over.
The suspect was described to police as:
Black male
Wearing a grey hoody and a black mask
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca.
Peterborough Police ask those with friends or family that may be susceptible to a scam to share the following information with them:
How the Grandparent Scam Works
The suspect calls the victim pretending to be a law enforcement officer, friend or the grandchild
The suspect seems to know basic information but not necessarily specifics
The suspect indicates the grandchild is in trouble or needs money
The suspect tells you how much money is needed and that someone will pick it up at their residence
The suspects demand the victim does not tell anyone about the phone and help create stories for the victim to use if asked why the money is needed
The suspect will often call back asking for more money
What to do if you receive a call:
Do not provide any personal information
Do not hand any money over
Remember police will never go to your door to ask for money nor would they ask money to be given to a courier
Stay calm even if the suspect is pressuring and indicating this is an urgent matter
If you are concerned it’s a scam call police or a person you trust
Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
