‘Grandparent Scam’ returns to Manitoba, RCMP warns

The “Grandparent Scam” has returned to Manitoba, according to the RCMP, who issued a warning on Wednesday, reminding everyone to be aware of telephone scams that target senior citizens.

The warning comes as the RCMP has seen an increase in the number of reported scams happening in northern Manitoba — an area that previously had very few reports.

Over the past few months, RCMP say they’ve received reports from four elderly residents in Flin Flon claiming that they’ve received a call from a scammer claiming to be a relative or a lawyer.

During the calls, the scammer asks for a large sum of money to help with bail and asks that the money be sent by mail to an address outside the province.

RCMP say that in two incidents, thousands of dollars were sent to the scammers through the mail. One other individual’s transaction was intercepted and was able to be returned to the senior.

Mounties say they are investigating the incidents, but say they can’t confirm if the cases are connected at this time.

“It’s unfortunate that we have encountered more incidents where senior citizens have been the victim of these types of frauds,” said Staff Sergeant Kevin Cavanagh of the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services Cyber and Financial Crime Unit.

“Fraudsters are constantly adapting these scams, seeking new ways to generate a sense of urgency and entice victims to help a family member in need. We don’t want to single out one part of the province, but seeing these calls take place in the northern part of the province is relatively new. The RCMP wants to remind the public that they should immediately report these crimes to the detachment in their area and to never send money.”

The RCMP and several police forces across Canada have been warning of this and similar scams since 2021.

Over the last couple of years, people have been taken into custody and charged.

In December 2023, the Manitoba government announced it would be refunding some of the money stolen from seniors through the “Grandparent Scam.”

“It is important to note that scams like these can happen to anyone,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe in December 2023. “The people committing crimes like these can be quite convincing and will play on the emotions of the victim, which makes this even more upsetting. The police and courts will never send someone to your house to collect money.”

Tips when someone asks for money over the phone

Manitoba RCMP are reminding all Manitobans to do the following when they get a phone call where someone is asking for money.

• Be suspicious of telephone calls that require you to immediately take action and request bail money for a family member in distress.
• If you receive a suspicious phone call claiming to be from a family member in an emergency situation, hang up the phone and contact them directly on the number you have in your contact list.
• If the caller claims to be a law enforcement official and asked you to pay a fine or bail, hang up and call your police directly.
• Be cautious of what you post online. Scammers can use details shared on social media platforms and dating sites for targeting purposes.
• Use unique and strong passwords for all social media and email accounts.

Victims of cybercrime or fraud can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.