MEDIA RELEASE: Brantford Police Warn Community About Ongoing “Grandparent Scam”

The Brantford Police Service is warning members of the community about a recurring fraud commonly known as the “Grandparent Scam,” in which offenders often target elderly people. In recent days, our police service has received multiple reports of incidents involving this scam, which include occurrences that are currently under investigation.

In recent incidents, victims have received a phone call from someone claiming that a loved one, usually a grandchild, has been arrested, is in trouble, facing an emergency and urgently requires money. The caller often pretends to be a lawyer or law enforcement official and pressures the victim to provide cash to secure the relative’s release and/or ensure their safety.

A consistent element in recent reports is the use of the name “Mark Goodman,” a fake lawyer referenced by the fraudsters to lend credibility to their story. Unlike some previous versions of this scam, the suspects are now sending an individual directly to the victim’s home to collect the cash, rather than requesting an electronic money transfer. This change increases the risk to victims but also provides potential opportunities for police to identify the person responsible.

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. Additional resources on frauds and scams can be accessed on our website: https://www.brantfordpolice.ca/safety-and-crime-prevention/frauds-and-scams/  

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