Date: November 18, 2022Share

RCMP warn seniors about Grandparent fraud scams

With the Holidays fast approaching, St. Albert RCMP are working to inform citizens and seniors regarding a rise in Grandparent fraud scams. Two recent files received by the RCMP in Alberta, involved a fraudster making a call to a senior and saying their grandchild is in jail. The fraudster posed as the grandchild’s lawyer and asked for large amounts of cash to be given to the fraudster at victim’s home.

St. Albert RCMP received a similar file in July 2022, from a concerned grandparent, that their grandchild was in custody and they had been asked to pay bail of $9800. The grandparent was waiting at their residence with the money for someone to attend to collect the bail money. St. Albert RCMP recognized the situation as the “grandparent scam” and attended the residence where an 18 year old male, Issa LOPEZ of North York, Ontario was arrested and charged.

St. Albert RCMP would like to advise the community that bail money can only be paid at a police station or at a court house. St. Albert RCMP encourage residents to share and discuss the information attached with family, seniors and friends to assist in the prevention of further frauds.

If you have any information on any crime, you are asked to contact the St. Albert RCMP at 780-458-7700 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

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