The Revelstoke RCMP urges the public to remain extra careful after back to back reports of an ’emergency scam,’ otherwise known as ‘the grandparent scam.’
On November 25, a Revelstoke resident was targeted by a suspected scammer posing as a close friend, who claimed he was in jail after an accident and needed money for bail.
After receiving a second call from a pretend lawyer, the victim e-transferred $2,500 to the scammer, Revelstoke’s RCMP spokesperson, Sgt. Chris Dodds, said.
A couple of hours later, Revelstoke RCMP received another report of a local resident also targeted in an emergency scam.
This time the scammer posed as the victim’s grandson, claiming he was in jail after a drunk driving accident and needed money.
Fortunately the resident sensed something was off, and contacted the Revelstoke RCMP, who advised him of the scam.
“These fraudsters rely on emotional pleas for help and take advantage of a parent or grandparent’s concern for a child, or even a close friend’s concern for a companion and exploit it to their advantage,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, B.C. RCMP regional spokesperson.
RCMP offer the following advice when receiving suspicious calls:
- Watch out for urgent pleas that play on your emotions — if you have any doubts, trust your instincts and simply end the conversation
- Talk to other family members — if you receive a call or contact from someone claiming a family member or friend is in trouble, reach out to another family member or friend to confirm the situation
- Never send cash, gift cards or money transfers as payment to an unknown recipient
Click here to visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website to learn more about this and other scams.
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