OACP, OPP and CBA Partner on Audio Presentation to Raise Awareness About Emergency-Grandparent Scams

Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and the Canadian Bankers Association Partner
on Audio Presentation to Raise Awareness About the Emergency-Grandparent Scams

For Immediate Release: September 13, 2023

(TORONTO, ON) – The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) are collaborating to share their knowledge about the alarming rise in Emergency-Grandparent scams which impact some of the most vulnerable members of society. The 20-minute audio presentation (https://www.oacp.ca/en/Images/Note.mp3) featuring crime prevention experts discussing this type of fraud and sharing tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from these scams.

From January 1 to June 30, 2023, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has received reports totalling a staggering $9.2 million in victim losses associated to the Emergency-Grandparent scams. With just over four months remaining in 2023, it is anticipated that the losses will greatly exceed the 2022 reported losses, which totalled $9.4 million.

It is estimated that only 5-10% of victims report scams and frauds to the CAFC or law enforcement. According to the CAFC, seniors lose on average 33% more than other demographics.

Emergency-Grandparent scams occur when a senior receives a phone call from someone who impersonates their grandchild in order to gain credibility with the victim. The caller will claim to be in trouble and request money right away from the victim. Often, they will say they were in a car collision with a rental car, or they are under arrest and in jail in another city or country.

The “grandchild” will tell the victim they do not want their parents to know and ask the victim to keep it a secret. To make the story seem more credible, the caller might also put another person on the phone to act like a police officer, bail bondsperson or lawyer. The victim, wanting to help, will withdraw funds from their bank account and wire money to the “grandchild.”

The money is often sent through a money transfer service where the scammer can then pick it up at any location across the world. The scammer might also arrange for a courier to come to the victim’s home to collect the money.

To learn more about the Emergency-Grandparent scams and other frauds, visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. If you are or believe you may be a victim of fraud or know someone who may have been, contact your local police service to report the crime. Please also report such crimes to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501 or online on the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur.

Quotes:

“Canada’s banks are fundamentally committed to safeguarding the money and personal information of their customers. Canadians also have a part to play in recognizing fraud and protecting their sensitive accounts. That’s why, together with our partners in law enforcement, the CBA and its members empower Canadians of all ages, including older adults, with accessible information and practical tips to detect and prevent scams.”

Adrian White, Director of Financial Crimes, Canadian Bankers Association

“The numbers don’t lie. Losses associated with Emergency-Grandparent Scams are devasting to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Our police services are committed to doing everything we can to ensure we stop these crimes before they happen.”

Chief Jim MacSween, York Regional Police

President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

“Fraud and cyber enabled frauds continue to devastate Ontario residents and others across the country, with the number of frauds being reported at an all time high. One of the ways to combat fraud is to arm ourselves with knowledge, information, and awareness. The OPP and our partners encourage everyone to learn about the Emergency-Grandparent frauds through information being made available to protect yourself, and to share these with your elderly loved ones to help protect them. Together we can lessen the impact of fraud on our communities.”

Detective Superintendent Mike Bickerton,

Financial Crime Services (FCS), Ontario Provincial Police

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For more information, contact:

Joe Couto

Director of Government Relations & Communications
T. (416) 926-0424 ext. 22

C. (416) 919-9798

E. media@oacp.ca

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