Oceanside RCMP said it has received three recent reports of scam callers pretending to be a family member in need of money.
The latest report was from a 77-year-old Qualicum Beach resident, who told police the caller pretended to be their grandson. The caller said he was in custody and needed bail money.
RCMP said a second person picked up the phone and claimed to be a police officer, reinforcing the first scammers claim the he needed bail money.
The 77-year-old told police he had heard of the scam before and asked enough questions of the scammers that they eventually hung up the phone.
“These scams are operated by fraudsters claiming to be a family member, a close friend of a family member or even a lawyer representing a member of your family,” said Cpl. Jesse Foreman in a news release. “They will advise the potential victim about an urgent situation that requires immediate funds.”
Foreman reminded people police, judges and legal entities will never request money be sent through money service businesses.
“Protect yourself by never voluntarily giving out a family member’s name or information to an unknown caller and always question any urgent request for money,” he said.
When in doubt, seek the advice of friends or family and be sceptical if someone is rushing you into a decision, RCMP said.
The latest report was from a 77-year-old Qualicum Beach resident, who told police the caller pretended to be their grandson. The caller said he was in custody and needed bail money.
RCMP said a second person picked up the phone and claimed to be a police officer, reinforcing the first scammers claim the he needed bail money.
The 77-year-old told police he had heard of the scam before and asked enough questions of the scammers that they eventually hung up the phone.
“These scams are operated by fraudsters claiming to be a family member, a close friend of a family member or even a lawyer representing a member of your family,” said Cpl. Jesse Foreman in a news release. “They will advise the potential victim about an urgent situation that requires immediate funds.”
Foreman reminded people police, judges and legal entities will never request money be sent through money service businesses.
“Protect yourself by never voluntarily giving out a family member’s name or information to an unknown caller and always question any urgent request for money,” he said.
When in doubt, seek the advice of friends or family and be sceptical if someone is rushing you into a decision, RCMP said.
