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What is the Grandfather Scam and How Can It Be Avoided?

Friday, 20 January 2023 at 15:01

By Brad Kraemer

If you have an elderly parent or grandparent, let them know about these scams.

OXFORD - A scam where people call in a fake emergency situation is becoming increasingly popular in the area.

The "grandfather scam" is typically when the scammer calls someone at the age where they could have grandchildren, and pose as them to help them bail themselves out of jail or pay for hospital bills.

Oxford OPP Constable Patti Cote says they have investigated at least four calls in the past couple of week. They have made an arrest, although the rest are still under investigation.

Cote also had tips for identifying these scams.

"Just take a minute to think about what is being asked by the individual on the other end of the phone. If they are trying to do this grandfather scam and you don't have grandchildren then that will be a red flag, but if you do, challenge the caller."

The OPP also believe that raising awareness is most important. If you have an elderly parent or grandparent, Cote advises that you let them know about these sorts of calls.

"If you think something is not quite right, and it's too good to be true, then it probably is."

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