GRANDPARENT SCAM 22-56113

GRANDPARENT SCAM
Financial Crime Unit investigating  

UPDATE- LONDON, ON (June 30, 2022) – Members of the London Police Service Financial Crime Unit have received at least five additional complaints referred to as the ‘grandparents scam’.

Police continue to look to speak to an individual who may have information in relation to these investigations. (An additional photo of this individual has been added below).

LONDON, ON (June 22, 2022) – Members of the London Police Service Financial Crime Unit have recently received a number of complaints involving individuals receiving calls alleging that a family member has been charged criminally, and they are in need of money to pay for a lawyer, and/or get out of jail.

This type of complaint, also referred to as the ‘grandparent scam’, has recently re-surfaced in the city of London. Over the past couple of weeks, a number of citizens have received calls from someone presenting themselves as a family member, a police officer, or a lawyer, claiming that money is needed immediately to help someone in need.

In at least two recent cases, individuals attended the residences of victims to pick up large sums of money.  Police are looking to speak to an individual who may have information in relation to a recent investigation. A photo of this individual has been added to our website.

If you receive a call from someone you think you may know, claiming that they need large sums of money for any reason, hang up and contact the individual the caller is claiming to be. There are a number of variations to this type of scam, but they all have the same outcome – someone asking for money.

Police, lawyers and courts will never ask for immediate payment, and/or wire transfers of money.

If you know of anyone who you feel could potentially be the victim of a similar crime, warn them of this scam.

If you have received a similar call, but did not provide any personal information, or lose any money, you do not need to contact police.

If you have been defrauded, have information in relation to this incident, or the person in the attached photo, call the London Police Service Fraud Intake line at 519-661-5515 Ext. 5257 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Elgin Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

For media inquiries, contact:

Cst. Sandasha Bough
Media Relations Officer
C. 519-661-5410
Email. Media Officer

22-56113