The RCMP is once again reminding all Manitobans to be aware of telephone scams targeting senior citizens.
While these scams are occurring across the province, the RCMP is now seeing an increase of grandparent scams happening in northern Manitoba. This was previously an area with very few reports.
Over the past few months, four elderly Flin Flon residents have reported receiving a call from a scammer claiming to be either relative or a lawyer. During these calls, the scammer asks for a large sum of money to help with bail and requests that the money be sent by mail to an address outside the province.
In two of the cases, thousands of dollars were sent to the scammer through the mail. Another victim's transaction was intercepted in time and returned. It is unknown at this time if all the cases are directly related.
"It's unfortunate that we have encountered more incidents where senior citizens have been the victim of these types of frauds," said Staff Sergeant Kevin Cavanagh of the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services Cyber and Financial Crime Unit. "Fraudsters are constantly adapting these scams, seeking new ways to generate a sense of urgency and entice victims to help a family member in need. We don't want to single out one part of the province, but seeing these calls take place in the northern part of the province is relatively new. The RCMP wants to remind the public that they should immediately report these crimes to the detachment in their area and to never send money."
RCMP would like to remind Manitobans of the following when receiving a phone call where someone is asking for money:
- Be suspicious of telephone calls that require you to immediately take action and request bail money for a family member in distress.
- If you receive a suspicious phone call claiming to be from a family member in an emergency situation, hang up the phone and contact them directly on the number you have in your contact list.
- If the caller claims to be a law enforcement official and asked you to pay a fine or bail, hang up and call your police directly.
- Be cautious of what you post online. Scammers can use details shared on social media platforms and dating sites for targeting purposes.
- Use unique and strong passwords for all social media and email accounts.
If anyone has any information about any crime, please contact your local RCMP detachment. Anonymous tips can also be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
Victims of Cybercrime or Fraud, can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
The investigation continues.
