Kings District RCMP received a report of a scam where the intended victim answered the phone and heard “Hi Grandma…Don’t you know who this is.” The victim told the scammer that she knew it wasn’t her grandchild and hung up immediately. Thankfully the victim did not lose any money.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time this scam has been tried on PEI. In the Grandparent Scam, scammers try to convince victims that they are Grandchildren in trouble and ask the grandparent not to tell anyone. Often they say they are in trouble with the law, and need money for bail, lawyers or private detectives to prove themselves innocent. They always ask for money that they need urgently and usually request it be wired to them.
Some ways to help protect yourself:
- Talk with your elderly relatives, and let them know about this scam
- Don’t give out any personal information on incoming calls.
- Ask questions. If the answers don’t sound right hang up.
- Look up numbers if you need to call an organization don’t trust numbers that have been given to you.
- If you are a victim of fraud call your local police detachment.
