Winnipeg Police Service News Release

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1st, 2011   EMERGENCY GRANDPARENT/ RELATIVE SCAM The Winnipeg Police Service would like to inform the public that we have been receiving reports of the "Emergency or Grandparent/Relative Scam". These basic scams involve the suspect(s) calling an elderly person and claiming to be his or her grandchild or another relative. The suspect(s) claim that they are in jail, or have some other critical emergency, and that they need money wired to his or her location. The person further encourages the victim 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 or Police Officer, talks to the victim and provides them with direction on where and to whom to send the money to. In recent cases victims used money transfer services to send approximately $10,000 to help their relatives, who were later found to be fine. The Winnipeg Police Service Commercial Crime Unit is currently involved in an ongoing investigation with other agencies and is encouraging all care providers and children or grandchildren to discuss this scam with older adults who may be in care facilities or who they feel may be vulnerable to these pressure tactics.   Becoming victim to this scam can be avoided by asking the caller a few pointed questions that only the grandchild or relative would be able to answer. A call trace should immediately be activated upon the caller hanging up to assist our officers with their investigation. Furthermore, investigators are urging bank employees and money transfer company employees to be cognizant and helpful in providing cautionary information to elderly persons they may believe have fallen victim to this type of event.    For further information on this scam please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at: http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/   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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