Grandparent Scam Alert:
The Winnipeg Police Service warns of increasing reports of the “grandparent scam” targeting seniors. In these scams, fraudsters pose as a distressed family member (often a grandchild) or representative, claiming they need bail money. They create urgency to elicit an emotional response and may send couriers, sometimes ride-share drivers, to collect money from victims’ homes. Variations involve calls or emails claiming a loved one is in trouble.
Protect Yourself:
· Let unknown numbers go to voicemail
· If pressured to act quickly, hang up and call a trusted family member
· Remember, police will never ask for bail money directly; bail is handled through the court system
· When in doubt, just hang up!
Report scams:
RCMP (204) 888-0358
Winnipeg Police (204) 986-6222
For more info: www.antifraudcentre.ca
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