Calgary Police Warn of an Increase in Grandparent Scams

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) has warned the public of an increase in grandparent scams in the city.

According to a statement by the police, as of January 2024, there has been roughly 32 reported incidents where a total of approximately $180,000 was lost. “In nine reported incidents, victims realized they were being scammed. In the remaining two incidents, it is unknown if money was lost as it was reported by a third-party”, said the statement.

Police say in the reported cases, suspects call possible victims pretending to be a loved one claiming they have been arrested and are in urgent need of money. They then request cash for bail, often times the amount is for thousand of dollars.

Victims are then told by the scammers to transfer money via e-transfer or in-person through a phony ‘bond collector’, where victims are then threatened with a false gag order, leaving them feeling pressured to remain silent.

Police further explained that in most of these cases, suspects are impersonating law enforcement officers and lawyers. “It is important to note that Calgary Police Service officers, and other law enforcement officers, are not involved in collecting bail money from citizens over the phone”, said the statement.

“These scammers are clever in gaining personal information from a number of methods to make their story sound convincing while preying on seniors’ generosity, trustworthiness and desire to help their loved ones”, says Acting Sergeant Craig Stothard of the Calgary Police Service.

“We are encouraging anyone who has been a victim to report the incident to police or to a trusted family member or friend immediately.”

Police are asking the public to have a conversation with seniors in their life about the grandparent scam and remind them to never give money to individuals who contact them over the phone.

Anyone about the grandparent scam is asked to call the police at 403-266-1234 or drop anonymous tips on Crime Stoppers.

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