Halton Regional Police Service is sending out a warning to seniors about emergency scams.
Police say there has been an increase in the number of people taken in by scammers, claiming to be a loved one in need of money, or a police officer, lawyer or bondsman for the victim's loved one.
Police are reminding seniors to verify the identity of anyone asking for money, do not give out any personal information, and remember that police, lawyers and the court will never ask you to give money to someone at your door.
More information and tips are available in the Halton Regional Police Service press release included below.
The Halton Regional Police Service is warning of a recent increase in “emergency scams” targeting seniors.
In a typical emergency scam scenario, an older person receives a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandchild. The caller goes on to say that they are in some kind of trouble (e.g. car accident or in jail) and need money immediately. Some victims may get calls from two people, one pretending to be their loved one and the other a police officer, lawyer or bondsman. The caller will ask potential victims a series of leading questions which prompts them to volunteer personal information. Callers say that they don't want others to find out what has happened. Typically, they will ask for money to be delivered in cash to a “bail bondsman” or an employee of the law firm/court.
Victims often don’t verify the caller’s story until after the money has been given to the fraudster.
The following are tips to protect yourself from emergency scams:
- If you suspect that you are being contacted by a fraudster call Halton Police at 905-825-4777 or 911 if it is an emergency.
- If you are at the bank, do not lie—tell the bank employee why you are retrieving the cash. The employees are trained to assist you in recognizing possible frauds and will help protect your money.
- Remember: Scammers count on the fact that victims will want to act quickly to help their loved one in an emergency.
- Caution: Never give money to anyone you don't know and trust. Verify the person's identity before you take any steps to help.
- Think: Don't give out any personal information to the caller.
- Investigate: Ask the person questions that only your loved one would be able to answer. Call someone you both know to verify the story. Scammers can learn a lot about you from social media, or while talking to you on the phone.
- Ask yourself: Does the caller's story make sense?
- Important: Police, lawyers and the court will never ask you to give money to someone at your door.
For additional information on emergency scams, visit https://www.haltonpolice.ca/en/staying-safe/frauds-and-scams.aspx.
Anyone with information pertaining to a fraud or any other crime is asked to contact the Regional Fraud Bureau Intake Office at 905-465-8741 or [email protected].
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
