Senior woman giving credit card details on the phone. © Can Stock Photo / daisydaisySenior woman giving credit card details on the phone. © Can Stock Photo / daisydaisy
Windsor

The grandparents scam spikes in Leamington and Kingsville

It sounds like more people have been getting phone calls from someone saying their loved one is in trouble and they need to pay up to get them out.

The Ontario Provincial Police say calls about the grandparents' scam have spiked in Kingsville and Leamington over the past two days. It's investigating multiple incidents, enough to warn the public to remain vigilant.

Typically, the call comes from someone claiming to be a police officer or court official saying they need payment to get their loved one out of jail.

Police have warned in the past the scam can be sophisticated.

Saying "knowledge is power", the OPP urge anyone who gets the call to verify what the caller is saying before committing any payment and calling the police.

If you've been targeted by the grandparents' scam call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

There's also information in the Little Black Book of Scams online.

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