The Windsor Police Service Financial Crimes Unit is actively investigating several recent incidents involving the ‘grandparents scam’ where suspects have shown up at residences to collect money.
Investigators are urging people to speak with your loved ones about the ‘grandparents scam’ and other common scams. Educating loved ones is the best way to prevent victimization.
The ‘grandparents scam’ is where a fraudster poses as a relative in distress needing their grandparents to wire funds that will be used for bail money, lawyer’s fees, hospital bills, or other fictitious expenses.
These recent incidents are an example of how far fraudsters will go to seem legitimate, showing up to residences acting as “agents or representatives” to actually collect the money in person.
A photo of the suspect was captured and investigators are seeking any information that may assist in identifying the suspect in relation to this incident.
In this incident a family member of the victim showed up prior to the suspect and was able to stop their loved one from turning the money over.
The Financial Crimes Unit is also reviewing other similar incidents where victims have turned over large quantities of money to fraudsters.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website is a great resource to keep up to date on current and common scams, to find tips on how to protect yourself and loved ones, how to report fraud and what to do if you have been a victim of fraud.
https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service Financial Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700 ext. 4330, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com
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