Grandparent Scam In Huron East

Huron County Ontario Provincial Police is investigating a recent scam that took advantage of an elderly Huron East resident.

On December 14, 2024, Huron OPP received a report of a fraud that had taken place over a two-day period on December 13/14, 2024.

On December 13, 2024, an 82-year-old Huron East resident received a phone call from a number they didn't recognize. The scammer on the line advised that the victim's grandson was in a collision and required money to help him get out of the situation. The victim was directed to obtain $6,500 in cash and arrangements were made to have someone attend the victim's residence the next day to pick up the money. On December 14th, an unknown individual described as a black male between the ages of 20 to 35 years of age attended the victim's residence in a dark-coloured car and collected the cash from the victim.

The victim later contacted family members and discovered that they had been scammed.

The OPP is reminding the public that this type of fraud is referred to as the "Grandparent Scam" where fraudsters pose as police officers or lawyers advising of a loved one in trouble. There is always a sense of urgency and money is requested. Scammers will tell the victims not to contact family members.

"Always call your family first to make sure they are ok if anyone attempts this scam on you. Never feel pressured to send or give money for any situation like this. Talk to your family members, friends and neighbours about this type of fraud to protect one another" says Constable Craig Soldan of the Huron OPP.

Call the OPP at 1-(888)-310-1122 and report these types of frauds.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre should also be contacted with any information you might have. Call 1-(888)-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca