RCMP report spike in grandparent scam calls

RCMP are warning the public about an unusual increase in “Grandparent Scam” calls.

Mounties in Kelowna say they received 12 complaints about fraudulent calls just on Thursday (May 4).

“Complainants are reporting that they have received a call advising that their grandchild is in police custody,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera explained.

“In order for their grandchild to be released from police custody, they will be required to pay a large sum of money. Sometimes the culprit will attempt to attend a victim’s residence in order to collect the requested amount, or even try to arrange to meet in a neutral location.”

In some cases, the caller identified themselves as a police officer or a lawyer.

RCMP advise people in this situation to just hang up the phone, and then report the incident to police on the non-emergency line at 250-762-3300.

“These types of calls far to often target seniors in our community. We encourage anyone who may have been a victim of a call of this nature to contact the police,” Della-Paolera stated.

“The CRTC, Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission website can also offer helpful tips to deal with nuisance and unwanted callers who claim to provide services or products crtc.gc.ca.”