Police are currently conducting raids at multiple locations in the West Island as part of an ongoing investigation into a grandparent scam.
According to authorities, the raids are targeting individuals suspected of being involved in a fraudulent scheme that targets elderly individuals by posing as their grandchildren in need of financial assistance.
The investigation, which has been ongoing for several months, has uncovered a network of scammers who have been preying on vulnerable seniors in the West Island area.
Police have not released any specific details about the locations being raided, but have confirmed that they are targeting individuals who are believed to be involved in the scam.
The grandparent scam typically involves a phone call from someone pretending to be a grandchild in distress, claiming to have been in an accident or legal trouble and in need of money. The scammers often use personal information obtained through social media to make their story more convincing.
Authorities are urging the public, especially seniors, to be cautious and vigilant when receiving unexpected calls from individuals claiming to be family members in need of financial assistance. They advise to always verify the identity of the caller and to never give out personal or financial information over the phone.
The raids are a result of a joint effort between the West Island police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which has been tracking the rise of grandparent scams across the country.
Police are reminding the public that if they have been a victim of this scam or have any information that could assist in the investigation, to contact their local authorities immediately.
As the investigation continues, authorities are hopeful that these raids will lead to the dismantling of this fraudulent network and bring justice to those who have been targeted and victimized.
