Canadians lost over $9 million last year due to grandparent scam
The OPP is reminding Ontarians to be cautious about the grandparent scam.
The fraud occurs when a senior gets a phone call from someone pretending to be a relative, often a grandchild, in trouble.
The scammer usually claims they were in a crash or are in jail and need money.
The victim will be asked to keep it a secret, and often another person might be put on the phone to act like a police officer, lawyer or bail bondsman.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, over $9 million was lost across the country during the first half of the year.
Police say only about five to ten percent of victims report frauds to law enforcement, and seniors lose about 33 percent more than anyone else.
Anyone who falls victim to a scam can call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
More information about the scam is available here.
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