Seniors in Alberta are being targeted by what is being called a grandparent scam.
According to an RCMP release, the victim will receive a call from an apparent grandson who advises that they are in prison and require a large amount of money for bail. A second individual of authority will then go on the phone and attempt to arrange collection of the money. These individuals may know specific information about the grandson.
Police say that over the last few weeks, as many as five of this type of scam have been reported in Okotoks alone.
They say there are certain things to look out for:
- Police would never go to your home to collect bail money for a prisoner
- Police would never pressure someone to pay bail money for a prisoner
- Bail money in Canada is traditionally not large sums
They urge anyone who is supscious of a call they have recieved to contact police.