Fraud Prevention Message:

The Sûreté du Québec would like to remind seniors of a few prevention tips to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of "grandparent" fraud. Fraudsters use a variety of schemes to obtain money from their victims. The suspects often use the same approach with the senior citizen: they contact them by phone pretending to be a police officer and ask for a few thousand dollars to release the senior citizen's grandson who has been incarcerated. They take advantage of the elderly person's vulnerability to put pressure on them by playing on their emotions.

When they use these scams, the scammers are trying to put pressure on their victim. That's why you should always make sure you do your due diligence before trusting anyone.

Never give money to a stranger or to someone whose identity you have not verified.

If an individual claims to be acting on behalf of an organization, contact the organization directly.

Never give out personal information to someone who cannot prove their legitimacy.

When someone is too insistent or even insolent (e.g., demands your answer on the spot), ask yourself questions, don't trust them.

Ask personal questions that only your loved one would be able to answer.

Call the person's parents, another family member or friends to verify the validity of the story that has been presented to you.

The Sûreté du Québec invites the public to consult the Tips section of its website (www.sq.gouv.qc.ca) to learn more about fraud or to consult the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.centreantifraude.ca