Another senior victimized by the 'Grandma Scam'

Since May 2011, the West Vancouver Police have received three complaints involving the “Grandma Scam”. All three cases targeted seniors.

In the latest case, a 91 year old female was victimized of $2,000. After speaking to a male claiming to be her son, and in need of money after being involved in a car accident in Montreal, she sent a money transfer to a Montreal address through Western Union.

The two other complaints received in May and June 2011 targeted a 90 year old male and a 90 year old female. In these two incidents, the scams were not successful due to the recipients being suspicious of the calls.

The West Vancouver Police and other police agencies across Canada have previously issued media releases in relation to this type of scam targeting seniors.

In previous cases, the scammer contacted elderly victims by telephone and pretended to be a grandchild needing money to get out of jail or to pay for damages after being involved in an accident.

The unsuspecting seniors would then send $5,000 to $10,000 through a wire transfer to another province. The scammer pleads with the grandparent not to tell anyone and promises to repay the money as soon he/she returns home. In some instances, the scammer involves other techniques such as having another scammer pose as a lawyer to add credibility to their fictitious stories.

Investigators believe this scam is being operated by a group in Eastern Canada and that the suspects may be obtaining personal information through Internet searches.

Prevention Tips:
• Be cautious when giving out personal information over the phone;
• Call a family member who can help you verify information, even if time seems to be of the essence;
• If the "grandchild" claims to be in jail, find out which jail it is and verify the information with that jail;
• Ask for a phone number to call the person back;
• Be wary of a request to send money via money transfer;
• Talk to elderly relatives about telephone scams and how they can protect themselves; and
• Report suspicious circumstances to your local police and Phone Busters at www.phonebusters.com.

If you have been victimized by this scam or a similar scam, please contact the West Vancouver Police at 604-925-7300.