Niagara Police have released audio of a disturbing scam targeting grandparents in the area. The scam involves a fraudster posing as an RCMP officer and preying on the love and trust of grandparents.
According to police, the scam begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be an RCMP officer. The fraudster then tells the grandparent that their grandchild has been arrested and needs money for bail. The scammer often uses a sense of urgency and fear to pressure the grandparent into sending money.
In the released audio, the fraudster can be heard using tactics such as claiming the grandchild is in danger and that the grandparent must act quickly to help them. The scammer also asks for personal information, such as the grandchild’s full name and date of birth, to make the scam seem more legitimate.
Niagara Police are warning the public to be vigilant and to never give out personal information or send money to someone they do not know. They also advise that if someone receives a call like this, they should hang up and contact their local police immediately.
This type of scam, known as the “grandparent scam,” is not new and has been reported in various forms across the country. However, it continues to be a successful tactic for scammers, especially when targeting vulnerable and trusting individuals.
Police are urging anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to come forward and report it. They also remind the public that the RCMP or any other legitimate law enforcement agency would never ask for money over the phone.
In order to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to scams like this, it is important to be aware of the tactics used by fraudsters and to never give out personal information or send money to unknown individuals. If you receive a suspicious call, always verify the information with a trusted source before taking any action.
The Niagara Police are working diligently to investigate this scam and bring those responsible to justice. In the meantime, they are asking the public to spread awareness and educate their friends and family about this type of fraud.
It is important to stay informed and stay vigilant in order to protect ourselves and our communities from falling victim to scams. Remember, if something seems too good to be true or too urgent to be ignored, it is likely a scam. Trust your instincts and always verify information before taking any action.
