Grandparent scam- RCMP Switchboard overwhelmed with calls

Nanaimo

2024-03-13 14:15 PDT

File # 2024-6314

Recently in the span of just a few hours, the Nanaimo RCMP switchboard received upwards of twenty reports from the public about the notorious Grandparent scam. Most were for information purposes. However, others reported losing anywhere from $3000 to $8000.

Our switchboard was lite up with call after call from the public asking if their loved one had been arrested and was in jail, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. While the scenario varied somewhat, it involved their grandson being arrested after a motor vehicle accident involving a pregnant woman. To be released from jail, a large sum of money had to be delivered immediately.

One person received a call from girl who he believed was his niece and involved the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manipulate her voice to make them believe it was her. In this call, the niece said that she had been arrested and was in jail in the Dominican Republic. A second person them came on the line purporting to work at the Canadian Consulate. A woman even called from a local chartered bank after being refused money from the bank. The woman called the Nanaimo RCMP to receive assurance that it was actually a scam. In most phone calls, if the fraudster was questioned at all, the call would abruptly end.

Some of the scenarios involved

•  Needing bail money because they’ve been arrested
•  Being in a car accident
•  Trouble returning to the country

Fraudsters also claimed to be

•  law enforcement officials, lawyers or impersonate a family member
•  Use urgency and threats to convince you
•  They may even arrange to pick up agreed upon money from your home

If you receive a phone call similar to this, simply hang up. If you were conned into providing money, contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or by calling 1-888-495-8501.

Released by

R/Cst Gary O'Brien

Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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