NEWS RELEASE GUELPH POLICE SERVICE
The Guelph Police Service is once again warning the public of an increase in so-called ‘grandparent scams’ after a Guelph senior lost $4,000 Wednesday.
On Wednesday evening police were called to a south-end residence. A female in her 70s reported she received a phone call from someone she believed was her grandson, indicating he had been involved in a collision and was facing criminal charges. A second male claiming to be a lawyer called 10 minutes later and said it would require $9,000 cash to have the grandson released on bail.
The victim attended her bank and was able to withdraw $4,000 cash. Later that evening a male attended her residence and collected the cash. He was described as a white male with olive skin and a black brush cut, wearing a dark spring jacket, dark shirt and jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Brooke Drake of the Guelph Police Service Fraud Unit at 519-824-1212, ext. 7430, email her at bdrake@guelphpolice.ca, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.
The Guelph Police Service reminds residents to be cautious when dealing with people on the telephone, even if you believe you know who you are talking to.
- Never send or give money to people you are not sure you know
- Take the time to verify the story
- If the story involves a loved one, try to contact that person on your own or ask questions only they would be able to answer
- Never volunteer personal information to callers
