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Winnipeg police are warning the public about a rise in “grandparent scams,” also known as “emergency scams.”
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In this scam, fraudsters target seniors by phone, pretending to be a grandchild or family member in distress, often claiming they have been arrested and need bail money. In some cases, they pose as an attorney or bail bondsman. After convincing the victim, the scammer sends a courier to collect money directly from the victim’s home. Some even use ride-share drivers to retrieve the funds.
A variation of this scam involves a phone call or email from someone pretending to be a family member or friend in urgent need of financial help. The scammers create a sense of urgency, pressuring the victim to act quickly, often asking the grandparent not to tell anyone else due to a supposed “gag order.”
The police remind the public to be cautious. If you receive a call from an unknown number, let it go to voicemail. If someone pressures you to act quickly, hang up and contact a trusted family member. Police will never ask for money directly to bail someone out, as the bail process must go through the courts.
If you believe you’ve fallen victim to this scam, contact the Winnipeg Police Service’s non-emergency line or report it online. More information on protecting yourself is available on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
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