The Ontario Provincial Police, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Canadian Bankers Association Partner on Audio Presentation to Raise Awareness About the Emergency-Grandparent Scams

OTTAWA – The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) are collaborating to share their knowledge about the alarming rise in Emergency-Grandparent scams which impact some of the most vulnerable members of society. The 20-minute audio presentation (https://www.oacp.ca/en/Images/Note.mp3) features crime prevention experts talking about this type of fraud and sharing tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from this scam.

From January 1 to June 30, 2023, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) received reports totalling a staggering $9.2 million in victim losses associated with the Emergency-Grandparent scams. With just over four months remaining in 2023, it is anticipated that the losses will greatly exceed the 2022 reported losses, which totalled $9.4 million.

It is estimated that only 5-10% of victims report scams and frauds to the CAFC or law enforcement. According to the CAFC, seniors lose on average 33% more than other demographics.

“Canada’s banks are fundamentally committed to safeguarding the money and personal information of their customers. Canadians also have a part to play in recognizing fraud and protecting their sensitive accounts. That’s why, together with our partners in law enforcement, the CBA and its members empower Canadians of all ages, including older adults, with accessible information and practical tips to detect and prevent scams.” said Adrian White, Director of Financial Crimes, Canadian Bankers Association

Emergency-grandparent scams occur when a senior receives a phone call from someone who impersonates their grandchild in order to gain credibility with the victim. The caller will claim to be in trouble and will request money right away from the victim. Often, they will say they were in a car collision with a rental car or they are under arrest and in jail in another city or country.

The “grandchild” will tell the victim they do not want their parents to know and ask the victim to keep it a secret. To make the story seem more credible, the caller might also put another person on the phone to act like a police officer, bail bondsman or lawyer. The victim, wanting to help, will withdraw funds from their bank account and wire money to the “grandchild.”

“The numbers don’t lie. Losses associated with Emergency-Grandparent Scams are devastating to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Our police services are committed to doing everything we can to ensure we stop these crimes before they happen.” said Chief Jim MacSween, York Regional Police and President, of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

The money is often sent through a money transfer service where the scammer can then pick it up at any location across the world. The scammer might also arrange for a courier to come to the victim’s home to collect the money.

To learn more about Emergency-Grandparent scams and other frauds visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. If you fall victim to fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service to report the crime and report it to the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or online on the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur.