B.C. Mounties warn the notorious “grandson scam” is back with a new twist that’s already helped fraudsters bilk almost $35,000 from local seniors.
In the past, con artists have phoned seniors posing as a desperate grandson in trouble. They begged for cash and asked the victims not to speak of it with the rest of their families.
Now, the Nanaimo RCMP detachment warns a new tactic is lending legitimacy to the scam, and has already swindled seniors into handing over $3,500, $7,000 and $24,000 in recent weeks.
“It is imperative family members share this information with their parents, grandparents and elderly neighbours so they do not fall prey,” Const. Gary O’Brien said in a statement.
The new series of calls has originated from Peru, and the caller, rather than posing as a grandson, pretends to be a lawyer representing the family member.
The “lawyer” claims the grandson is in jail following a car accident, and won’t be released until he pays for a car replacement, lawyer fees and bail.
The caller then provides a 10-digit code to a local wire transfer kiosk. In the most recent case, the victim was directed to Canada Post offices in Shoppers Drug Mart stores at Woodgrove Centre, Country Club Mall, Beban Plaza and the University Mall.
Mounties have alerted most seniors homes and seniors outreach programs in the Nanaimo area, but are urging families to have their own conversations with elderly relatives.
“Tell them it is highly unlikely their real grandson would ever ask for such large sums of money,” O’Brien said.
Anyone with questions about the scam can contact the Nanaimo RCMP detachment at 250-755-3257.
