The Lethbridge Police Service is warning the public after several residents fell victim to the so-called "grandparent scam," March 27, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge residents defrauded in ‘grandparent scam’

Mar 27, 2023 | 12:23 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is warning the public after local seniors fell victim to fraud.

Over the past week, officers say three Lethbridge residents lost a combined $26,000 in the so-called “grandparent scam.”

LPS said the victims were told that a loved one of theirs had been involved in a collision, was in police custody, and required cash to pay their bail.

Police say emergency scams, also known as grandparent scams, involve fraudsters pretending to be a family member and claiming that they urgently need money to get them out of some kind of trouble.

The police service said in a news release, “They will ask for cash and then send an associate, posing as a police officer, bail bondsman or some other official, to collect the money. They may also seek payment in the form of gift cards, bitcoin or e-transfer. Victims are given a variety of reasons why they have to keep quiet and not speak to anyone about the situation.”

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LPS adds that there are currently active investigations throughout Alberta involving a group who has allegedly defrauded victims in several jurisdictions.

Some tips provided by police include:

• Always verify the caller’s identity and the legitimacy of their story. Call the relative directly and if they can’t be reached, contact other relatives who can help verify the story.
• If a caller claims to be a police officer, lawyer, judge or other official, call the police station or courthouse directly to confirm their identity and the legitimacy of the call.
• Do not use any phone numbers or other contact details provided by the caller to try and verify information.
• Do not provide money, gift cards, bitcoin or any other form of payment to someone you do not know.
• Bail is always paid in person at the police station, courthouse or correctional centre and receipt of payment is provided. Police and court officials will never attend someone’s home to pick-up cash.
• Never disclose any personal information over the phone to someone you don’t know.

Lethbridge resident who have fallen victim to the grandparent scam and have not yet reported it can contact LPS at 403-328-4444.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now