St. Thomas man loses $10,000 in 'grandparent scam'
The crest of the St. Thomas Police Service. (Source: St. Thomas Police Service/Facebook)
Police are reminding the public to be vigilant after a St. Thomas man lost $10,000 in after falling victim to something known as the “grandparent scam.”
According to a press release issued Tuesday by the St. Thomas Police Service, a man from St. Thomas received a call from a scammer posing as an RCMP officer. The scammer told the victim his grandson was being held by RCMP but that if he paid $10,000, the grandson would avoid a criminal record.
On June 27 at approximately 4:30 p.m., police said the victim paid an unknown woman $10,000 in cash, and that the transaction took place in the Barwick Street and Hill Street area.
The scam works by a scammer pretending to be the victim’s grandchild, law enforcement, or a lawyer representing the victim’s grandchild.
Scammers then claim they or someone they love is in police custody and are facing criminal charges, and then ask the victim to transfer them money for legal purposes.
St. Thomas police remind the public to be vigilant and to warn loved ones who might be vulnerable.
They recommend being suspicious of urgent requests for money, verifying the story first by contacting other family members, and never sending funds in uncertain conditions.
Other local police have been warning the public about grandparent scams due to a recent uptick in reports, including the London Police Service, the Sarnia Police Service and Lambton County OPP.
Police ask anyone with information regarding this particular incident to call the St. Thomas Police Service at (519) 631-1224 and to refer to incident ST22009849.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Back to school: A look at the COVID-19 rules in place across provinces, territories
As students across Canada gear up to enter what will be their fourth academic year in the pandemic, CTVNews.ca takes a look at what measures will be in place in schools, by province and territory.
Canada's interim import ban on handguns takes effect today
As of today, individuals and businesses are no longer able to import restricted handguns into Canada, with limited exceptions. The move announced earlier this month is aimed at expediting a key pillar of the federal effort to cap the number of handguns in the country.
Transport minister set to testify at committee today on airport delays, flight cancellations
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra is set to testify before the House of Commons transport committee this afternoon about ongoing airport delays and flight cancellations.
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.
Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.
Survival 'the only concern' as Canadian tenants struggle to pay rent
As rent prices rise, CTVNews.ca heard from a number of Canadians struggling to afford their homes. The surge in rent prices over the last few months has forced many to cut back on spending, with some having to relocate or move in with their parents.
Apple warns of security flaw for iPhones, iPads and Macs
Apple disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices.
North Korea dismisses South Korea's aid offer as 'foolish' repeat
The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said her country will never accept South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's 'foolish' offer of economic benefits in exchange for denuclearization steps, accusing Seoul of recycling proposals Pyongyang already rejected.
Canadian veterans in France to mark 80th anniversary of disastrous Dieppe Raid
Canadian flags hang alongside those of the French and British on the streets of Dieppe, France, each August as the city marks the anniversary of an important and disastrous day during the Second World War.
Kitchener
-
Region approves first-ever sanctioned encampment site
The Region of Waterloo council approved a series of measures on Thursday to help ease the growing homelessness crisis, including a first-ever decision to permit an encampment.
-
Seniors worry proposed legislation will separate them from loved ones
The Ontario government’s solution for healthcare at long-term care homes is raising some concerns locally.
-
Clinton man charged with counselling to commit murder
A 75-year-old from Clinton has been charged after reports the individual was soliciting assistance in committing murder.
Windsor
-
Windsor commemorates 80th anniversary of Dieppe Raid
The City of Windsor, in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada, is commemorating the 80th Anniversary of The Dieppe Raid on Friday.
-
Windsor man rushes into burning home to help wheelchair-bound neighbour, dogs
A Windsor man who uses a wheelchair, his seven-year-old-grandson and two chihuahuas are thanking a neighbor who rushed into their burning home to help them escape.
-
Nephew of 70-year-old fatally shot by police during weapons call speaks out
The nephew of the 70-year-old man fatally shot by police after appearing to threaten people with a machete in downtown Windsor, Ont. says he feels sorry for the two officers who had to confront him in his uncle’s final moments.
Barrie
-
Downtown Barrie councillor Keenan Aylwin not seeking re-election
The Ward 2 councillor wrote a lengthy letter on his website outlining his decision and the factors that led to his decision to not run for re-election.
-
Transport minister set to testify at committee today on airport delays, flight cancellations
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra is set to testify before the House of Commons transport committee this afternoon about ongoing airport delays and flight cancellations.
-
Johnson's Beach lifeguards leave Sunday: Centennial guards on duty until Labour Day weekend
Lifeguards are packing up their whistles and towels within the next two weeks.
Northern Ontario
-
Only two candidates in North Bay's mayoral race
Municipal councils in Ontario are nearing the end of this term’s four-year cycle and with an election on the horizon, there are only two candidates running in North Bay's mayoral race as the nomination deadline looms.
-
Ramsey Lake residents concerned by nearby encampment
Many homeless encampments are springing up around Sudbury.
-
Driver charged with towing unsafe load walks home: OPP
A driver near Orangeville had to leave his truck and walk home after police said he was stopped for towing an unsafe load.
Ottawa
-
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.
-
Canada Post halts mail delivery in rural Ottawa because mailboxes are too short
Canada Post says it will no longer deliver mail to homes on Constance Lake Road near Dunrobin because the mailboxes are too short.
-
Final day for candidates to register to run in Ottawa's 2022 municipal election
Candidates have until 2 p.m. Friday to register to run for mayor, councillor or school board trustee in the city of Ottawa in the fall municipal election.
Toronto
-
The CNE opens in Toronto for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic
The Canadian National Exhibition is set to open in Toronto today -- the fair's first edition since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
Scotiabank refuses to buy back an Ontario woman's gold and silver because of logo
When an Ontario woman bought gold and silver from Scotiabank nine years ago she always assumed she would be able to sell it back when she was ready.
-
Man dead, woman injured in targeted shooting in Oakville: police
Police are investigating a fatal overnight shooting in Oakville.
Montreal
-
CAQ reveals slogan ahead of provincial election: Let's continue
The Coalition Avenir Quebec has unveiled its electoral campaign slogan: Let's continue.
-
This Afghan student escaped the Taliban regime to study in Montreal
Last year, Arzou Lashkari was ready to fly to Canada and start a new chapter of life at Concordia University. But her dream was crushed when the Taliban took control of her country, forcing her to stay home.
-
Hughes: Price could miss upcoming season, news on knee injury 'discouraging'
Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes says news of Carey Price's knee is "discouraging" and that the star goaltender may not play this coming season.
Atlantic
-
Nova Scotia seeking an exemption from federal carbon tax, saying it is doing enough
Nova Scotia is asking the federal government for an exemption from the federal carbon tax.
-
Saint John police continue to seek answers in homicide investigation
Police say three unidentified masked men with dark clothing forced their way into an apartment where 39-year-old Justin David Breau was stabbed. The suspects ran away towards Garden Street before police arrived.
-
Nova Scotia mother with ALS uses eye-tracking technology to write her life story
Angela Parker-Brown may be unable to speak but that hasn't stopped her from using her voice. The mother from Truro, N.S., who is unable to speak due to ALS, recently published a memoir using technology that tracks her eye movements to form words and sentences.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba to welcome influx of Afghan refugees
Manitoba is getting ready to welcome an influx of Afghan refugees.
-
'We'll have more coming': Manitoba Premier considers rebate cheques to help with inflation
Manitobans could be receiving more rebate cheques from the provincial government to help deal with rising inflation costs.
-
Canada's interim import ban on handguns takes effect today
As of today, individuals and businesses are no longer able to import restricted handguns into Canada, with limited exceptions. The move announced earlier this month is aimed at expediting a key pillar of the federal effort to cap the number of handguns in the country.
Calgary
-
Stabbing victim in critical condition following attack near Memorial Drive
The Calgary Police Service has cordoned off a section of the Bow River pathway and closed a lane of eastbound Memorial Drive in the northeast following a Thursday night stabbing.
-
Calgary man convicted in multimillion dollar Ponzi scheme to be sentenced
A Calgary man who bilked his clients out of millions of dollars in a Ponzi scheme is scheduled to be sentenced today.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER | End of Calgary's heat warning is coming
Calgary could face showers, storms Saturday.
Edmonton
-
Local aid organization seeking bikes to gift to Ukrainian newcomers
A local organization is aiming to give displaced Ukrainian families in Edmonton a sense of normalcy.
-
Canada to face off against Czechia in world junior semifinals
It's a rematch for Canada at the world junior hockey championship today.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER | Josh Classen's forecast: Heat streak peaks
Daytime highs will remain above average right through the end of next week.
Vancouver
-
Homicide investigators probe stabbing in Surrey neighbourhood
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is probing a stabbing in Surrey Thursday night.
-
Richmond RCMP investigating shots fired; abandoned truck in Surrey believed to be connected
Richmond Mounties are investigating reports of shots being fired in an incident they say was likely targeted.
-
B.C. lottery winner plans to buy electric car, continue enjoying retirement
A retired Lake Country man has an extra half-million dollars in his bank account after a recent lottery win.