EPS
The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is warning the public about an increase in grandparent scams targeting seniors and their savings. In many cases, the suspects are impersonating police officers and exploiting victims’ concerns for their loved ones.
In the past two month, police have received 21 reports of seniors being targeted by scammers in a similar fashion.
The common tactic involves the suspects posing as police officers claiming that a child or grandchild has been arrested and requires immediate bail money to be released from custody.
The scammers often create a sense of urgency, insisting that payment be made immediately in the form of cash, credit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold or jewellery. In some cases, a courier is sent directly to the victim’s home to collect payment or the “police officer” will meet the senior in person.
Once a victim provides payment, the fraudsters often continue to contact the victim and demand additional funds for purported legal fees, court costs, and other charges. Some victims have been targeted repeatedly, resulting in substantial financial losses.
“These criminals are manipulative, convincing, and highly skilled at creating panic. They deliberately prey on seniors by exploiting the fear and concern they have for their loved ones,” says Staff Sgt. Mike Zaparyniuk of the EPS Financial Crimes Section. “We want people to understand that the police will never call and demand money, gold, gift cards, cryptocurrency, credit cards, or any other form of payment to secure someone’s release from custody. If you receive a call like this, stop, hang up, and verify the information independently.”
Spot the scam. Police will never:
- Request cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold, jewellery, or credit cards to secure someone’s release.
- Send a courier to collect money, valuables or financial information.
- Demand immediate payment over the phone.
- Instruct individuals to keep a police matter secret from family and friends.
If you receive a call claiming that a loved one has been arrested and needs money:
- Hang up immediately. Do not provide any personal or financial information.
- Contact your family member directly using a phone number you know is legitimate or reach out to another family member or trusted person.
- Never provide cash, valuables, banking information, or credit cards to someone you do not know.
- Contact the EPS non-emergency line 780-423-4567 if you believe you are being targeted.
Investigators are also asking Edmontonians to talk openly with seniors they know about these scams.
“We want seniors to know that it’s okay to be skeptical, even if someone claims to be a police officer. We won’t be offended if you question the call or hang up to verify who you’re speaking with,” says Staff Sgt. Zaparyniuk. “If someone is demanding money, creating urgency, or telling you to keep a secret, those are major red flags. We also encourage family members to have conversations with their parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbours about these scams. A simple conversation can prevent someone from becoming a victim and losing their hard-earned savings.”
Families are also encouraged to establish trusted methods of verification and discuss what to do if they receive an emergency call requesting money. Taking a moment to pause, verify, and speak with a trusted family member can help prevent fraud and protect vulnerable loved ones.
Anyone who believes they or someone they know has been targeted by a grandparent scam is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or by dialing #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
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