City police say they’ve received multiple reports of grandparent scams, where fraudsters call elderly people claiming to need money to help the victim’s grandchild.
Officials add the so-called emergency can vary, but in most cases, people are told their grandchild has been arrested and needs money for bail. Police say victims have been contacted by phone, text, email and on social media.
They say no law enforcement agency will threaten you to pay bail for someone.
Police also say they will never request bail be paid in cash or with cryptocurrency, they will never pick up bail funds from your house or accept them through an online transfer and there is no such thing as a “gag order” preventing you from telling another person that someone has been arrested and charged.
The North Bay Police Service encourages anyone who has been defrauded to contact police at 705-497-5555 and press 5 to speak with an officer. You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report a fraud online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
Anyone with information that may assist police with ongoing fraud investigations is asked to call the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 and press 5 to speak with an officer. For those who wish to remain anonymous, contact Near North Crime Stoppers, by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.