Halton Regional Police warn the “Grandson Scam” is back

The Halton Regional Police Service is investigating three incidents of attempted phone scams in Oakville.

On June 9th shortly after 12:00 pm a fraudster phoned a 65 year old Oakville woman. The caller identified himself as her son. The caller then indicated that he had been involved in a car accident in Montreal and had been arrested as a result. The fraudster then asked the victim for $48,000.00 dollars for legal fees.

The victim felt there was something wrong and did not follow through with the request.

On June 14th shortly after 12:30 pm a 72 year old Oakville woman received a phone call from a person identifying themselves as her grandson. This fraudster also indicated he was in Montreal and needed money, in the amount of $1,900.00 dollars because he was in trouble.

When the victim said she was going to check to make sure her grandson was actually in Montreal, the fraudster hung up.

On June 15th an elderly couple received a phone call at 10:30 am, the fraudster led the victim to believe he was her grandson and the victim turned the phone over to her husband. The caller then explained that he had been arrested in Montreal and required $2000 dollars for bail.

When the victim went to the bank to get the money he explained the reason to the teller. The teller knew the scam and stopped the process.

This scam has been around for many years and has been dobbed the “Grandson Scam”. The fraudster phones an elderly person posing as their grandson. The fraudster indicates that they are in financial trouble, usually because they have been arrested and requests that the elderly person send them money.

Remember the Best Way to Help Stop Fraud Is to Report It.

The Halton Regional Police Service is continuing to investigate this incident. Anyone with information related to it is asked to contact the Regional Fraud Unit at (905) 825-4777 Ext 8738 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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