Grandparent scam continues to rear ugly head

People should remain alert to the constant threat of the grandparent scam that continues to defraud seniors in our area out of thousands of dollars.

The Didsbury RCMP are investigating one of the latest cases after a Didsbury senior was preyed upon.

A composite sketch has been released of a man who physically collected funds from a senior in hope to cracking one of the latest cases. They are seeking the public's assistance in both identifying the man and educating local seniors about this trending crime.

On June 13, 2024, Didsbury RCMP received a report that a local senior received a call from a male stating that he was her grandson. The male stated that he was in jail and needed bail money. A different man showed up to the seniors home and the money was physically given to him.

“It is essential that we speak to our seniors about this trending crime as it is easily preventable with education,“ says Cpl. Shane O’Neil of the Didsbury RCMP. “Sit down with your loved ones have a conversation and consider printing out these tips and leaving them near the phone.”

RCMP remind the public:

• Bail is always paid in person at a courthouse or correctional centre;
• Never send money to anyone you don’t know;
• If a person claims to be a police officer or judge, call that police service or courthouse directly to confirm the situation – police and courts will never ask for any form of payment;
• Never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone you don’t know—the police or courts will not ask for personal information over the phone.

The scam has touched seniors in our area, including long-time resident Stu Bradley in September 2022. He went public in hopes of helping others from falling prey to fraudsters.

If anyone has any information about this crime or those responsible, please contact the Didsbury RCMP Detachment at 403-335-3381. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www. P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.