The RCMP is among the law enforcement agencies warning of a rise in emergency scams. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

$1.1 million lost in Alberta due to “grandparent scams” in 2022: report

Feb 1, 2023 | 3:44 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Law enforcement agencies are working about a significant increase in scams targeting Canadian seniors.

The RCMP, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say more than $9.2 million was lost in emergency scams in 2022, up from $2.4 million in 2021.

That includes $1.1 million just in Alberta.

A media release from the agencies explains that emergency scams involve the use of urgency and the manipulation of emotions to extort money from victims.

Grandparent scams are a form of emergency scams where fraudsters will cold call seniors, claiming to be a family member, law enforcement officer, or lawyer calling on behalf of a loved one.

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The release states that the scammers will “say that the person’s loved one was involved in an emergency situation, such as a collision, charged by law enforcement, legal peril, being sick or injured, etc. They demand the senior provide payment immediately for supposed bail, legal fees, fines or other amounts “owed” to stop the family member from going to jail or to get them released from custody. This is a scam.”

“The victims are directed to attend their financial institution to withdraw the requested amount in cash,” reads a media release from law enforcement agencies. “The fraudsters will then send someone to pick it up from the victim’s home or have the victim send the money via courier services. There have also been reports of victims paying with cryptocurrency.”

The RCMP, CAFC, and OPP will be running an awareness campaign from February 6-10, 2023. They will be posting social media tips, bulletins, and other resources.

Anyone who falls victim to a fraud or knows someone who has can contact their local police service and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or use the online Fraud Reporting System.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now