The Fredericton Police Force (FPF) is issuing a warning to residents about a notable rise in scam and fraud complaints. Since the start of January, the FPF has already responded to 11 such reports.
One of the most recent and concerning scams is the grandparent scam, where fraudsters pose as a child or grandchild in distress, urgently requesting money. This scam targets the elderly, exploiting their love and concern for their family members.
In 2024, FPF responded to more than 350 instances of scams and fraud of various forms, costing area residents more than $500,000.
Key Points to Remember:
• Verify the Caller: Always verify the identity of the caller by asking questions only your real grandchild would know.
• Police Will Never Ask for Money: If someone claiming to be from the police contacts you and requests money, it's a scam. Hang up immediately.
• Do Not Rush: Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions. Take your time to verify the information.
• Contact Family Members or a Trusted Friend: Reach out to other family members to confirm the story before taking any action.
We urge everyone to connect with elderly, vulnerable individuals, or those who are not on social media. Regular communication can help them stay informed and less susceptible to scams. Share this information with them and encourage them to reach out if they receive suspicious calls or messages.
To learn more about current scams, hot to prevent becoming a victim of one and to report fraud, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
To report a crime, contact the Fredericton Police Force at 506-460-2300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
In case of emergency always call 911. You can also call 506-460-2300 for non-emergencies, and you can report a crime online on the FPF’s website:
Report a Crime | City of Fredericton
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Media contact:
Sonya Gilks
Public Information Officer
Fredericton Police Force
506-460-2777
Fpf.media@fredericton.ca