There's been another spike in 'Grandparent' or emergency scams in the Cochrane area that victimize seniors.

Cst. Clayton Gelinas says four have been reported within the last week.

"These scams often involve a phone call being placed to the victim claiming a loved one is injured or in trouble with the courts or law enforcement and a payment is needed to help them," explains Cst. Gelinas.

He says the scammers can be very manipulating and convincing.

The suspects will often pretend to be a police officer, judge, or family member. Suspects will usually ask for cash; however, they may also ask for payment in gift cards, bitcoin, or e-transfers.

The scammers may send an associate acting as a courier to pick up the money in person or ask for the money to be mailed.

Long-time Cochranite Stu Bradley made a point of widely sharing information about the day he was scammed out of $9,000.

In April, Cochrane RCMP also received two separate reports in a single day about residents being scammed out of thousands of dollars.

Cochrane RCMP remind the public of the following tips to recognize scams and avoid becoming a victim:

  • Scammers use high-pressure tactics like creating a sense of urgency or secrecy to cloud your judgment. Don’t be afraid to say no.
  • Hang up and do not provide information to the caller.
  • If a person claims to be a police officer, judge, or lawyer, call that police service or courthouse directly to confirm the situation – police and courts will never demand cash be picked up in person or mailed.
  • Don’t keep the situation a secret. Scammers will pressure you to lie to your bank, the police, or your family about what is happening. Talk to family, friends, or loved ones and reach out for help.
  • Report this information to police.
  • Law enforcement will never use high-pressure tactics for money exchange.

Report the scam to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) online at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca, or by phoning 1-888-495-8501.

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