Cases of the “grandparents scam” increasing in Amherstburg

The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment is asking that people remain vigilant after a rise in cases of the “grandparents scam” in Amherstburg.

A grandparent scam is when a person receives a random phone call from a person claiming to be a relative or friend, police say, adding the scammer creates a sense of urgency and secrecy, often claiming to be in a crisis like an accident or arrest and demands immediate wire transfers, cash or other forms of currency. In some cases, scammers will suggest a person attend a bank and obtain cash to be picked up by an official such as a lawyer or police officer. 

Police recommend people to not send money, and not to provide personal information. People are urged to hang up and call a family member to verify the story. People should also  be aware of any calls that pressures a person for immediate action or secrecy.  

The public is also encouraged to resist the urge to act quickly and to take their time to verify the story before acting. Police will never attend a residence to pick up bail money.

Alleged stunt driver

The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment states that an officer was conducting radar in the 7000 block of County Road 9 (Howard Ave.) Oct. 20, at approximately 9:45 p.m. At this time, the officer clocked a vehicle allegedly travelling at 145 km/hr in the posted 80 km/hr zone. 

The involved vehicle, a Ford F150 was stopped by the officer. The involved driver, a 36-year-old male, was charged with stunt driving and his vehicle was impounded for 14 days. In addition, the accused’s driver’s licence was suspended for 30 days.

—All information courtesy of the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment 

Cases of the “grandparents scam” increasing in Amherstburg