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The Niagara Regional Police Service has determined that there is currently an increased number of Grandparent Scam incidents in St. Catharines (particularly the north end).

Over the last week there have been at least five attempts and one completed incident where a victim lost $6000.

As we get further into the holiday season scammers may increase their efforts.  Scammers may attempt to appeal to the “family holiday” theme to add pressure to vulnerable victims.

Victims are being contacted by telephone and being convinced that a loved one (e.g., grandchild) is in legal peril and that only money or gift cards will solve the problem. In the recent incidents victims are being asked to attend a local bank and withdraw large sums of money.  Scammers direct the victim not to call anyone or talk to retail or bank employees.  A courier will then meet up with victim to collect the money, often attending the victim’s home.

Education, Prevention, and Intervention

To protect the vulnerable victims from scams we would like to ask the public to take a “NRP me plus three” approach to scams.  Seek out information from an official source, educate yourself and then educate three persons in your life who may be vulnerable to becoming victims of scam crime. #NRPMePlus3

Prevention Safety tips:

  • Never confirm any personal information over the phone.
  • Always verify who is calling.
  • Do not be pressured.  Stop. Take time to process what you have been told, to see if it makes sense.
  • Ask a trusted friend or family member for their opinion.
  • If you are in doubt, call your local police service.

The Point Sale Scam Intervention Program (POSSIP) has been designed with detectives from the NRPS Central Fraud Unit to create awareness and education for retail and financial institution employees with the goal of providing intervention at the point of sale.

Retailers and financial institutions are encouraged to download the education program for their employees to view.  The education program works in conjunction with a NRPS poster to support the employees which is also available for download.

Click Link

For more information about fraudulent scams click the links below.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre                                                   NRPS Central Fraud Unit

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

Click Here for Crime Stoppers Online 

 

scam alert