The resurgence of a scam in which the victim is led to believe a loved one is in legal trouble and needs fast cash has London police looking to speak with an unidentified man.
Police said Wednesday they have received a number of complaints for so-called grandparent scams over the past couple of weeks. In each case, an individual received a call from someone claiming to be a family member, a police officer, or a lawyer. The person tells the intended victim that their family member has been charged criminally and needs money for a lawyer or for bail.
"In at least two recent cases, individuals attended the residences of victims to pick up large sums of money," police said.
Police released a picture of a man they would like to speak with in relation to the investigation. They are asking anyone who recognizes the man or who has been defrauded to call the London Police Service Fraud Intake line at 519-661-5515 Ext. 5257 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Anyone who receives a call from someone they think they know who claims they need a large sum of money for any reason should hang up and contact the individual the caller claimed to be directly, police said. They are also reminding the public that police, lawyers and the courts will never ask for immediate payment or wire transfers of money.
People who have received a call like this, but did not provide money or any personal information do not need to call police, the police service said.
