Sophie Demers
LJI Reporter
Gatineau Police are warning residents once again about a local fraud scheme. On September 25 alone authorities received several complaints concerning the grandparent scheme. Many cases reported losing thousands of dollars ranging from $4,000 to $10,000.
As the name indicates, the grandparent’s fraud targets anyone old enough to have grandchildren, usually individuals over the age of 45. Authorities remind individuals that no one is immune to fraud, anyone can be targeted, and strategies evolve and change to target more people.
The cases all follow the same formula. First, the fraudster calls the victim pretending to be their grandchild, or their child’s or grandchild’s spouse and states they need help. Usually, the suspect says they were involved in a car accident and have hit someone. Many times, they state they’ve hit a pregnant woman and have been arrested. To make the situation more dramatic, they say they were using their cell phone while driving when the accident happened.
Next the caller will add urgency by stating that this is their only phone call, and they need the victim to bail them out of jail. The scammer will tell the victim not to tell anyone about the situation. Before hanging up, the suspect tells the victim to await a call from their lawyer.
A second scammer will then call pretending to be a lawyer and ask the victim to withdraw a specific amount of money and to not tell the bank what the money is for to avoid paperwork. The fraudster will then say that a bailiff, police officer or courthouse employee will go to the victim’s house to retrieve the funds. The suspect will then go to the individual’s house to collect the money that is left out for them. Sometimes the individuals will meet in a public place to exchange the cash.
Gatineau police remind residents that to pay bail, one must go to a police station, the Hull jail, or the Court Registry. Once there, they will be provided with an official receipt. There is never a situation where bail would be picked up in cash at a resident’s home or in a public area. Bails set by a Gatineau police officer cannot exceed $500. Only justices of the peace can impose a higher bail amount.
Gatineau Police Fraud Prevention Tips
It is important that people not trust the number on the display screen of their phone. Even if it’s a number they recognize, it could be used by a scammer. It is important to ask questions that only the relative could answer correctly to validate their identity. If suspicious, individuals should hang up and call the person that is being imitated at the usual number. Lastly, never provide personal or banking information over the phone.