Winnipeg Police Service News Release:

Sunday, December 12, 2010   GRANDPARENT/ EMERGENCY SCAM ATTEMPT C10-279962 The Winnipeg Police Service would once again like to remind all members of the public about a scam in which a suspect(s) calls an elderly grandparent claiming to be his or her grandchild. The suspect(s) claim that they are in jail, or that they had some other critical emergency, requiring money to be wired transferred to his or her location.   The "grandchild" would further encourage the grandparent not to say anything to anyone as he or she is embarrassed about being in trouble. In some instances another person pretending to be a lawyer, talks to the victim and provides them with direction on where and to whom, they should wire transfer this money.   On December 9th, 2010 at approximately 2:00 p.m., a 67 year old female received a telephone call from a male suspect claiming to be her grandson. He indicated that he had just been involved in an accident in Toronto, Ontario and needed money immediately. The suspect was adamant that the victim not share the situation with any family members.   Despite the suspect's request, the victim proceeded to advise family members of the nature of the telephone call. As a result, it was learned that her grandson was not in fact in Toronto and that the telephone call was fraudulent in nature. No money was wired transferred as requested by the suspect due to the diligence of the victim involved.     Members of the Winnipeg Police Service were notified and continue to investigate.     The Winnipeg Police Service would like to remind the public not to send any money to anyone whose identity they have not confirmed by either asking questions that the caller should know or by contacting a relative of the caller.    If any suspicious calls of this nature are received, the Winnipeg Police Service advises the public to activate their call trace feature by pressing *57 on their telephone immediately once the caller hangs up, to assist officers with their investigation. For further information on this scam and others please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at: http://www.phonebusters.com/english/recognizeit.html     For further information contact either: Constable Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Office: (204)986-3061 Fax: (204) 986-3267 Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca   Web: www.winnipeg.ca/Police

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