Cobourg Police Service say the victim received a call from someone claiming to be a police officer.
The caller stated that the victim’s grandson had been arrested and required $5,000 for bail. The scammer then sent a man to the victim’s home to collect the money. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Grandparent scams, also known as emergency scams, are designed to prey on the emotions of older adults. Fraudsters often pose as family members or officials to create a sense of urgency and demand large sums of money. Police stress that legitimate agencies never request money in this manner.
Residents are urged to recognise red flags, such as calls requesting secrecy, cash delivery, or a specific code word. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact someone you trust or local authorities.
To report a scam or fraud attempt, call Cobourg Police at 905-372-6821 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
You can also visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website to learn more about protecting yourself from scams.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)