Another scam has victimized a senior citizen in Huron East, and police are urging residents to be cautious.
On December 14, Huron County OPP were notified of a fraud that took place over a two-day period.
On December 13, an 82-year-old from Huron East got a call from an unrecognized number. The scammer claimed the victim's grandson had been in a crash and needed money to help. The victim was instructed to get $6,500 in cash and the scammers arranged to have someone go to the victim's residence the following day to collect the money.
On December 14, an unknown individual described as a black male between the ages of 20 to 35 attended the victim's residence in a dark-coloured car and collected the cash from the victim.
The victim later contacted family members and discovered that they had been scammed.
The OPP is reminding the public that this type of fraud is referred to as the "Grandparent Scam" where fraudsters pose as police officers or lawyers advising of a loved one in trouble. There is always a sense of urgency and money is requested. Scammers will tell the victims not to contact family members.
"Always call your family first to make sure they are ok if anyone attempts this scam on you. Never feel pressured to send or give money for any situation like this. Talk to your family members, friends and neighbours about this type of fraud to protect one another," said Constable Craig Soldan of the Huron OPP.
Call the OPP at 1-(888)-310-1122 and report these types of frauds.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre should also be contacted with any information you might have. Call 1-(888)-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca