Windsor police say they have continued to take complaints from residents concerning the so-called "grandparent scam".
"The Windsor Police Service has recently received a number of calls from community members reporting that grandparent scam fraudsters are currently active in our area," read a notice from the WPS' Twitter account.
The "grandparent scam" may come in different forms, but the general idea is that a potential victim receives a phone call from someone claiming to be a relative, saying they were arrested and needed help. Sometimes the call is from someone claiming to be with law enforcement who tells the victim they must pay money for bail.
Once a potential victim withdraws the demanded money, they are directed to give it to someone who has been sent to pick it up.
Thousands of dollars have been lost locally to these scams, according to police. In February, one Windsor woman lost $6,000 after getting a call from someone claiming to be her granddaughter. In April, an Amherstburg woman was targeted by a scammer demanding $10,000. A 25-year-old woman was identified as a suspect in the latter incident.
Police say if you get such a phone call, hang up immediately and contact your relative directly to verify what you are being told. Law enforcement will never send anyone to your home to collect bail money.
If you believe you have been a victim of the "grandparent scam", contact law enforcement immediately.
Anyone with information should call the Windsor police's Financial Crimes Unit at (519) 255-6700.
