RCMP warns Manitobans about grandparent scams following recent reports

The RCMP is investigating multiple reports of grandparent scams targeting seniors in Manitoba, urging residents to remain vigilant.

On Thursday, police received reports from a Portage la Prairie resident and another from MacGregor, both of whom were defrauded by a caller claiming to be a lawyer for their grandchild. The suspect indicated that the grandchild was in jail and needed money for bail.

In the Portage la Prairie incident, the suspect physically retrieved the money from the victim’s home, while in MacGregor, the suspect met the senior at a designated location.

Similar scams were reported in Minnedosa and Kleefeld the day prior, with victims losing significant amounts of money.

Additionally, a senior in East St. Paul was driven to the bank by a suspect who also claimed a family member was in trouble.

Cst. Larry Neufeld of the Portage la Prairie detachment expressed concern over the increasing confidence of scammers, who are leveraging information from social media to exploit vulnerable seniors.

“These criminals play on the emotions of seniors and their willingness to help a family member in need,” said Neufeld.

The RCMP advises the public to avoid giving money to unknown individuals and to report suspicious calls. Tips for protection include verifying the identity of callers by contacting family members directly and being cautious with personal information shared online.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact their local RCMP detachment or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.