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Portage la Prairie RCMP received reports on Wednesday of two seniors defrauded of money after receiving phone calls from an individual posing as a lawyer for their grandchild.
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The calls, directed at one resident from Portage la Prairie and one from MacGregor, claimed that the grandchild was in jail and required bail money. In both cases, the caller used the grandchild’s name, convincing the victims of the urgent need.
In Portage la Prairie, the suspect collected money directly from the senior’s home. In MacGregor, the senior was met at a location on Hampton Street. Similar calls were reported in Minnedosa and Kleefeld on Tuesday when victims also surrendered large sums of money. RCMP in East St. Paul learned of another senior targeted in a similar scam on Oct. 24 — the suspect even drove the victim to the bank, where they withdrew money under the impression that their grandchild needed immediate assistance.
Police don’t know if these incidents are connected.
RCMP Cst. Larry Neufeld said scammers are using personal details, often obtained through social media, to deceive seniors and gain access to their money. Police remind the public to avoid giving money to unknown callers and to verify any claims of emergency involving family members before acting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact their local RCMP detachment or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Victims of cybercrime or fraud can also reach the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
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