(City of Red Deer)

By rdnewsNOW staff

grandparent scam

Red Deer RCMP warn public of increase in scam calls

Jun 4, 2025 | 1:32 PM

The Red Deer RCMP are making the public aware of an increase in reports of the ‘grandparent scam.’

Police call it a deceitful tactic where the fraudsters impersonate family members in an emergency situation to pressure victims into sending money. They often target seniors.

The scammers usually claims they’ve been in a car crash, were arrested or in legal trouble. They also urgently ask for money to help a family member or sometimes pretend to be a police officer or lawyer to make a story seem true.

“No one wants to ignore a family member in trouble, and that’s exactly what scammers try to exploit,” said Cst. Cory Riggs, Public Information Officer with Red Deer RCMP, in a media release. “If someone is urgently demanding money over the phone, that’s a red flag. Police will never ask for money or show up at your door to collect bail. Talk to your loved ones so they feel prepared, not pressured.”

Police encourage the public to stay vigilant and have open conversations with family members to help prevent these scams.

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To avoid falling victim to the grandparent scam, Red Deer RCMP encourage residents to follow these tips:

• Pause and verify: Slow down, talk to other family members, and review the situation together. Fraudsters rely on panic and urgency.
• Never give out names or details: Let the caller identify themselves first and don’t offer any personal information.
• Ask personal questions: Verify the caller’s identity with questions only the real person would know.
• Reach out directly: Contact the family member in question using a trusted phone number.
• Refuse pressure tactics: Never send money, gift cards, e-transfers, or cryptocurrency under pressure.
• Know the facts: Law enforcement will never come to your home to collect money or request payment over the phone.
• Beware of caller ID spoofing: Scammers can fake numbers to make it appear they’re calling from a trusted source.

Anyone who believes they’ve been targeted or victimized by fraud is encouraged to contact their local police detachment and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca