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
Peterborough Police are issuing a warning after an 82-year-old man was scammed out of $10,000 for their granddaughter’s release on announced Thursday.
File Photo.
The resident received a phone call from someone acting as a police officer and that $10,000 was required for their granddaughter’s release. The scammer set up an exchange at the residence and collected the money.
The suspect was described to police as:
White Male
Early 20’s
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Peterborough Police are concerned that someone went to a residence and are asking people to be extra cautious.
Police Services reminds residents that they never call requesting money for the release of a suspect.
If you suspect that you have received an email or call that may be a scam, please report it with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
If you are a victim or have questions about an interaction, please call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x274 or you can fill out a report online.
Peterborough police officer Keith Calderwood, who was shot in Lindsay in June while in the line of duty in a case police are giving few details about as the SIU investigation continues, talked to Newswatch about his recovery.
[UPDATE: June 27, 8:48 a.m. -- Constable Keith Calderwood remains in stable condition and was released from hospital on June 26th.]
[UPDATE: June 24, 9:03 a.m. -- Police say Constable Keith Calderwood remains in stable condition in hospital in Toronto. According to the release: "Keith and his family are coping as best they can considering the circumstances. There has been a great outpouring of concern, prayers and support for Keith and his family and a steady flow of visitors. The Calderwood family are thankful and very appreciative. They ask for privacy during these difficult times and in the best interests of Keith's recovery, they will not be accepting any visitors today.]
