St. Thomas Police Service Warns Residents of Grandparent Scam
St. Thomas, ON – December 3rd, 2024
The St. Thomas Police Service is urging residents to remain vigilant following a recent report of a grandparent scam that resulted in the loss of $2,500.
On December 2nd, 2024, police received a report from a local resident who had fallen victim to a common grandparent scam. The victim received a call from a male impersonating their grandson, who claimed to be in custody following a motor vehicle collision in London, ON. The impersonator stated he required money for his release from custody.
A second male, posing as the grandson’s lawyer, requested an e-transfer of $6,000 to facilitate the release. The victim sent $2,500 from their account to the provided email address. After becoming suspicious, they contacted their financial institution and later confirmed with their actual grandson that the call was fraudulent.
The St. Thomas Police Service is actively investigating this incident. ST24021903
How to Protect Yourself
Grandparent scams exploit emotions to pressure victims into acting quickly. To safeguard against such scams, remember these tips:
- Pause and Verify: If you receive a distress call from a relative, confirm their story by contacting them directly or speaking with another family member.
- Beware of Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Take time to think and verify details.
- Never Share Financial Information: Avoid providing bank details or sending money without thorough verification.
- Report Suspicious Calls: Contact the St. Thomas Police Service immediately if you suspect a scam.
If you have information about this incident or have been targeted by similar scams, please contact the St. Thomas Police Service at 519-631-1224 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Together, we can prevent fraud and protect our community.
