Brantford police warn residents about grandparent scam
March is Fraud Prevention Month and BPS will be raising awareness of various types of fraud, and scams throughout the month. We will be sharing social media tips, bulletins, and various other resources to help residents protect themselves against fraud.
Brantford Police Service would like to advise older residents in the community after receiving several reports of a scam targeting these citizens, which we refer to as the "Grandparent Scam.” Reports have been received where suspects have falsely identified themselves as a Brantford Police Officer and an R.C.M.P officer. If a member of the public ever has a concern regarding the identity of an officer, their identity can be confirmed by contacting BPS at 519-756-7050 with the name and badge number of the individual in question.
Grandparent or Emergency Scam – What is it?
This type of fraud occurs when the fraudster contacts the victim, claiming a family member is in crisis and needs money. Although the fraudster can claim to be any family member (e.g., aunt, uncle, child) or friend, grandparents may be particularly vulnerable.
Typically, a call is made from someone claiming the victim's grandchild or family member is in trouble. They have even been reported to impersonate the grandchild or family member. Often, they say that they have been arrested or involved in a collision and need money. Usually, the victim is instructed to send money immediately.
Sometimes a second call will be made from someone pretending to be a lawyer or police officer. Scammers will advise the victim that a payment for bail or a fine is required to have their loved one released. If the victim agrees to pay the requested amount, suspects will arrange to pick up the funds in person with a "courier” or will ask the victim to send cash in the mail. The victims are often told they cannot talk about the investigation with anyone and advised that they will go to jail if they talk about it.
The Brantford Police Service wish to remind residents of the importance of fraud education and protecting oneself from becoming a victim. We also encourage spreading the word to those, such as the elderly, who may be particularly vulnerable to these fraudsters and may be targets of these high-pressure scams.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
- Take time to think. The fraudster will make it sound urgent and will pressure you.
- Contact the family member in question. Emotions may be running high but take the time to check.
- Ask questions only family members would know.
- Call someone you trust or police for an opinion about the call.
- If you suspect it is a scam, it may be - just hang up. Conduct your own research to determine validity.
- Do not send any money.
If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud and reside in the City of Brantford, contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050 and your financial institution immediately. You can also report online at: https://www.brantfordpolice.ca/accessible/online-reporting
If you have not experienced a financial loss but have received a fraudulent call, such as the Grandparent scam, please report the incident by calling the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraud.ca/index-eng.htm
Public Safety in Partnership with our Community
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16-year-old arrested after weapon related threat
23-09173
A 16-year-old youth was apprehended by Brantford police officers after a report of a weapons related threat.
On Thursday, March 2, 2023, at approximately 11:45 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was received to report a youth had threatened an individual, allegedly indicating he was in possession of a firearm. The accused was reported to be within North Park Collegiate Vocational School, North Park Street.
Officers arrived, contained the scene, and conducted a search for the accused.
Officers quickly located the accused, who was taken into custody. No weapons were located.
No physical injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.
After the incident had concluded, officers met with students and staff directly involved to provide information and answer any questions they had.
The Brantford Police Service would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that gun related violence is a serious issue for many communities. Threats of this nature can have tragic consequences. Brantford Police Service will respond accordingly in order to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
As a result, a 16-year-old stands charged with Uttering Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm, contrary to the Criminal Code.
As the accused individual is under the age of 18, additional information will not be released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
CRIME BRIEF: March 1, 2023
Type: Public Intoxication
Incident: 23-08929
Location: King George Road and Kent Road
On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at approximately 11:45 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were on scene at a King George Road location, responding to an incident, when a disturbance occurred with a man who appeared to be heavily intoxicated.
The man was creating a disturbance, running at police and yelling obscenities.
Due to the erratic behaviour demonstrated, and as the level of intoxication represented an inability for the man to care for himself, the accused was arrested and held in custody until sober.
The accused refused to identify himself to officers.
As a result, a 39-year-old male from London, stands charged with the following:
- Obstruct Peace Officer, contrary to the Criminal Code, and
- Being Intoxicated in Public Place, contrary to the Liquor Licence Control Act
Type: Impaired
Incident: 23-08916
Location: King George Road and Kent Road
On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at approximately 11:40 p.m., patrol officers with the Brantford Police Service observed a vehicle driving recklessly at a King George Road location.
Officers conducted a traffic stop, and in speaking with the driver, observed signs of impairment.
The accused was subsequently arrested. A search incident to arrest revealed the accused was in possession of a taser (conducted energy weapon), and a quantity of suspected percoset pills.
The accused was transported to provide samples of breath as required by law. Both samples provided were over the legal limit.
As a result of the investigation, a 20-year-old female from London stands charged wit the following:
- Operation While Impaired - Alcohol & Drugs, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Operation While Impaired - Blood Alcohol Concentration, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, contrary to the Criminal Code, and
- Possession of a controlled substance, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
The accused has been held for bail.
Additionally, the driver’s licence of the accused was suspended, and the car impounded.