In the last 72 hours, the Regina Police Service has investigated multiple cases of emergency scams, otherwise known as grandparent scams. In these cases, the fraudsters target grandparents and play upon their emotions to compel them to release thousands of dollars.
Common occurrences in these scams can include but are not limited to:
- The grandparent receives a frantic phone call.
- The “grandchild” provides an emotional play indicating they have gotten in trouble and need help.
- The “grandchild” pleads to the grandparents not to tell his or her parents.
- The “grandchild” asks that they provide thousands of dollars to post bond for bail money, repair the car, cover lawyer’s fees, or pay hospital bills for someone allegedly hurt by the “grandchild” in an accident.
- In some cases, fraudsters posed as police officers and the victims provided their home addresses to pick up bond money.
The Regina Police Service would like to remind citizens that police will never pick up bond money and to be on alert for scams such as this one. If you believe you are a victim or suspect someone is trying to defraud you, contact police immediately at 306-777-6500. Please call 911 if it is an emergency.