The Fredericton Police would like to warn the public of recent reports of fraudulent “scam” activity targeting elderly citizens.
In most cases, grandparents are receiving calls from someone pretending to be a grandchild who has been arrested and needs bail money to be released. These scammers are convincing – they will often know names of some family members and other details when they are requesting cash, so the "grandchild" can be released from police custody. Once the cash has been withdrawn from the bank, someone is sent over to their house to pick up the money, or they are asked to wire the funds to an account.
As elderly people are frequent victims of these types of crimes, please take time to discuss this type of fraud with your family members and friends to ensure they do not become a victim.
What should you do to avoid becoming a victim?
- Be suspicious of calls that demand money
- No police agency will ever demand immediate payment of any kind.
- Do not ever give out personal information to unsolicited callers
- Contact another family member to confirm the story.
- Remember to never send money to someone under uncertain conditions.
- Don't be afraid to say "No".
- HANG UP!
The Canadian Bankers Association has published a useful fact sheet to avoid falling victim to this type of scam. Consider printing it out and putting it by the phone as a reminder.
The public is asked to report crimes by contacting the Fredericton Police Force at 460-2300, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, to remain anonymous.
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