The OPP have release details on the elderly victim in South Huron who lost $40,000 after falling victim to the “Grandparent Scam” recently.
On March 20th the OPP was contacted by the victim who explained they received a phone call from someone stating they were an RCMP officer and had the victim’s grandson in custody following a collision.
The scammer told the victim to send $8,000 in cash by courier to have their loved one released on bail & later that the grandson needed $32,000 more to be released from jail.
The victim complied both times with a courier of cash and a wire transfer.
The scammer made addition calls advising of the fake matter was still before the courts.
The victim contacted police when they realized they had been scammed.
Police have a brochure available at their Detachments that educates on the basics of the “Grandparent Scam” and advises on ways how to prevent becoming a victim.
The brochure can be placed next to the phone of an elderly relative for when they are contacted in situations that resemble the scam.
