Brandon police report they’ve received numerous calls involving the Grandparent Scam.
The scammers claim a grandchild has been involved in an accident, and bail money is required to get the grandchild released.
The Canadian Bankers Association has a few simple steps that you can take to avoid falling victim to this scam:
-Never offer information to the caller. If they prompt you with a question like, “Do you know who this is?” simply say no and have them tell you.
-Press your caller for details. If the person on the other end of the phone is explaining his/her story, ask them questions about their specific location or have them repeat their story. A criminal will have a hard time recalling details or coming up with them on the spot
-Ask the caller a few personal questions that a real grandchild could answer but an imposter could not
-After you hang up, verify the story by calling the parents or other relatives of the “grandchild”
-Never wire money to someone under uncertain conditions. It is nearly impossible to recover or trace money that has been wired
-Never provide your credit card number over the telephone or Internet unless you are sure about who you’re giving it to.
Brandon police say the best way to avoid being scammed is to HANG UP IMMEDIATELY – and DO NOT SEND THEM ANY MONEY.
