Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Reports $5.4 Million lost in Scams; Peterborough Police Provide Tips To Protect Yourself
/With the Grandparent Scam circulating recently, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has reported $5.4M lost to emergency scams in 2022, released on Wednesday.
File Photo.
Peterborough Police received numerous calls regarding the scam, taking reports about anyone receiving phone calls and those calling to report that money was exchanged.
In one of the most recent calls at the end of January, a local resident had reportedly lost $15,000.
The Police Service reminds residents to talk to their family members and their networks about the scam to raise awareness.
While scams can vary, an example of it is where the potential victim is told that their grandchild is in Peterborough Police custody and requires money for bond.
The scammers then request money be sent or indicate that the potential victim call them back when they have the money to set up a time to hand it over.
Peterborough Police, or any other law enforcement official, will never request money over the phone or have a courier pick up 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
Take the time to check the facts with family
If you are concerned it’s a scam call police or a person you trust immediately
Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
