The Windsor Police Service states it has recently received calls from community members reporting that grandparent scam fraudsters are currently active in the town of Amherstburg.
Police say in the most recent reports, suspects have posed as police officers over the phone stating false badge numbers and requesting to pick up money. Police officers will never request money over the phone or collect any kind of cash from a resident, the WPS stated.
In a grandparent scam, police state that an individual will receive a call from someone claiming to be their grandchild or other loved one, or calling on behalf of a relative. They will claim to need money as soon as possible, often to pay for bail or lawyer fees.
They will say the payment is needed immediately to avoid going to jail or to be released from jail. If you receive a suspicious phone call with an unusual area code or from someone claiming to be a family member, hang up immediately and contact that family member directly.
The Windsor Police Services asks that people be of assistance by educating elder relatives and friends about this scam and what they can do to protect themselves. For more information on grandparent scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
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