James Nelson, a resident of Tilbury, shared his thoughts on the issue, saying, “It’s so troubling to hear that these scams are happening in our community. My grandmother was almost tricked by a similar scam last year, but thankfully, she had enough suspicion to double-check. I can’t imagine how many people might not catch on in time. We need to keep spreading the word and looking out for each other.”
The Chatham-Kent Police Service is alerting the public to a growing scam that is preying on seniors in the community. Over the past 24 hours, the police have received several complaints from victims who have fallen prey to a fraud scheme commonly referred to as the "Grandparent Scam."
This type of scam involves fraudsters impersonating a family member, typically a grandchild, and claiming to be in urgent need of money due to an emergency. The scammers often go to great lengths to manipulate their victims, often pretending to be in distress or claiming to need funds for bail, medical emergencies, or legal matters.
“Grandparent scams are becoming increasingly common, and they prey on the trust and concern that seniors have for their families,” said Chatham-Kent Police Service. "We urge everyone, particularly seniors, to be cautious when receiving unexpected calls or messages requesting money for emergencies.”
The police have emphasized that the scammers often try to gain the victim's trust by claiming to be affiliated with law enforcement. They may even assert that they are acting on behalf of police officers or legal authorities to secure the release of the supposed family member.
“The Chatham-Kent Police Service would like to make it clear that no officer, nor any affiliate of the police, will ever attend a location to collect money for bail or any other related matter,” said a police spokesperson. “Additionally, there are no 'Gag' orders or 'Safe Words' involved in legitimate bail hearings. These claims are false and part of the scammers’ deceptive tactics.”
Eman Khoja, a resident of Comber, also expressed concern over the rise of these scams. “My parents live in Comber, and this is something I’ve been warning them about. It’s so easy for these scammers to prey on vulnerable seniors who might not be as familiar with these types of frauds. I’ve had to step in a few times to make sure they don’t fall for these tricks. It's critical that we all stay informed and help protect our loved ones,” said Khoja.
Police are also encouraging families to have conversations with their elderly relatives about these types of scams and to make sure they know how to identify fraud attempts.
"We want to empower the community with information to help them protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming victims of these scams," said the police spokesperson.
Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to a scam, or who has information about any ongoing fraud attempts, is urged to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service at 519-352-1234. Those with additional information can also reach Detective Constable Rob Bowles at 519-436-6600, ext. 80655, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The Chatham-Kent Police Service continues to provide resources and updates to help keep the community informed and safe from such scams.
Editors Note:
For non-emergency inquiries with the Sarnia Police Service, you can call 519-344-8861 for general information or incidents that don't require an immediate response.
Call 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies when immediate action is required.