Chatham-Kent police are again warning the public to beware of the so-called grandparent scam.
According to Sgt. Lynette Rosina, four complaints were received inside of a week prompting a reminder for people to “stay vigilant” and to never give personal information to a stranger over the phone.
The fraudulent grandparent’s scheme involves people posing as bail bondsmen who call citizens on the phone claiming their grandchild is in jail. The scammers demand money for the grandchild’s release and they instruct victims to give the cash to a courier who will visit their home. In order to make the transaction more legitimate, potential victims are given a code.
It’s a lie, Rosina said.
“Please be aware that no Canadian court and no police service will ever engage in this practice,” the officer said. “Bail bondsman do not exist in Canada.”
If you find yourself a target of this scam, you should call police and report the incident, she said.
“Your awareness can help prevent others from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes,” Rosina advised.
