St. Marys bank staff thwart grandparent scam: police
Stratford police are warning the public after they say there’s been an increase in grandparent scams in the last several weeks.
According to a news release, police said one victim was stopped from withdrawing several thousand dollars when staff at the BMO in St. Marys recognized the customer was being scammed.
Grandparent scams typically occur when a person poses as someone’s grandchild then frantically explains they are in a trouble or need help with some type of emergency.
“The scammer typically solicits information by beginning the phone call by stating ‘Grandma(pa), it’s me, I’m in trouble!’ After being provided a name of a grandchild who the victim believes the scammer to be,” police said in the release.
Police said the scammer often urgently asks for money and warns not to tell anyone what happened.
Police released tips on how to avoid a similar scam:
- Never offer information to the caller like the person’s name before they identify themselves.
- Ask the caller personal questions that only the person would know.
- Hang up the phone and attempt to contact another family member to confirm the whereabouts of your grandchild.
- Never send money for payments by way of gift cards.
Stratford police are asking anyone who may have received a call of this nature to file a report through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or call police.
“By creating awareness, we can all play a part in fraud prevention,” the release said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.