Cranbrook RCMP is warning residents to be aware of fraud attempts as the detachment has seen a rise in “grandparent” scams.
Police officials said the scam usually involves a potential victim receiving a call from someone claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild, in some kind of distress.
The scammer will say they need money as soon as possible for a made-up reason such as claiming to have been in an accident, robbed, or they have been arrested.
“The problem with this is that the caller isn’t the relative that they claim to be and your money is going to the scammer,” said RCMP officials.
“Often, all the information the scammer needs to pull off the scam is provided on social media or simply by the victims themselves.”
Police said the scam has become more sophisticated over the years, as fraudsters may use voice manipulation to sound more convincing to their victim.
RCMP notes that you should be suspicious of anyone asking for money or gift cards, especially if that money is requested through a wire transfer or a cryptocurrency ATM.
Once money is sent over this service, it can be very difficult or impossible to recover.
Police recommend you ask for the name of who you are speaking to, rather than offering it and verify information.
“Do not be afraid to make calls of your own. Verify the identities or whereabouts of the caller with other family members. Even if they say ‘don’t tell mom and dad.'” said RCMP officials.
“Never give your personal, banking or credit card information to anyone who calls you over the phone, never send cash/gift cards in the mail and never buy someone cryptocurrency under these circumstances.”
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