The RCMP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre are holding a fraud prevention campaign this week. It is to raise awareness about the significant increase in emergency grandparent scams targeting Canadian seniors.  In 2022 more than 9.2 million dollars were reported lost to emergency scams, including 313 thousand in Manitoba. It is estimated that only five to ten percent of victims say scams and fraud.

In emergency scams, fraudsters call seniors claiming to be grandchildren, family members, law enforcement officers, or lawyers. They’ll say a loved one was involved in an emergency situation such as a collision, charged by law enforcement, legal peril or being sick or injured.  They demand the senior provide payment immediately for supposed bail, legal fees, fines or other amounts owed to stop the family member from going to jail or to get them released from custody.

If you fall victim to fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service or the Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online on the Fraud Reporting System even if a financial loss did not occur.