OPP warn of rise in 'grandparent scams' and how to protect yourself
On Wednesday morning, members of the Ontario Provincial Police West Region held a news conference to educate the public on the rise of “grandparent scams” and how to prevent more people from falling victim to scams.
OPP have responded to 348 incidents involving emergency scams across Ontario in 2022. Many of those cases originated from the West Region in Lambton, Essex and Oxford counties, according to police.
In 2022 the Canadian Fraud Centre (CFC) received $530 million in reported fraud losses, said Det. Const. John Armit, with the Anti-Rackets Branch in Ottawa.
“That's a 40 per cent increase from 2021, where we had $380 million reported from victims' losses in Canada,” Armit added.
That’s only the reported cases. There could be more victims, as police explained many stay silent due to embarrassment or fear.
“Anybody can be victimized but it is targeted towards older adults the majority of the time,” said Const. Erin Fraser, from the OPP’s Crime Prevention - Serious Fraud Office.
Experts explained that typical scams can be a victim receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be a loved one who needs help.
For example, the caller could say that the person’s loved one was involved in an emergency.
Then the caller will demand money for legal fees, bail, fines, or other amounts owed.
Scammers will often have victims withdraw cash or have the victim send money through a courier.
“A person is not only left feeling the financial hardship but also the emotional effects, feelings of being exploited and vulnerable,” said Fraser. “And although they shouldn't feel this way, many feel ashamed as to what has happened to them.”
To avoid becoming a victim, police ask that members of the public check with a family member or friend before sending any money or information by phone or e-mail. If you get a call or suspicious email, OPP urge people to hang up the call and not provide any information or send money to the caller.
Police are urging the public to remember that legitimate agencies will never pressure you to give information or demand money over the phone.
If you are a victim of fraud or know someone who is, OPP encourage you to contact your local police department and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501.
Even if you have not suffered financial loss, victims are still encouraged to report the scam to police.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.