Ontario Provincial Police in Essex County say more complaints have come in after someone fell victim to the so-called "grandparent scam' last week.
Police reported last week that a Tecumseh man got a call from a person claiming to be a lawyer representing the resident’s grandson, who was just arrested for driving while impaired. The lawyer provided the resident with a case file number and a confirmation to make the call sound legitimate.
Someone was then seen driving up to the resident's house in a black SUV. The resident gave the man $9,300.
Since then, investigators say they've gotten at least ten similar complaints. In each case, seniors have gotten phone calls from someone saying a grandchild was in trouble and someone would be stopping by their home to collect money.
"The OPP is reminding all Essex County residents to be extremely vigilant and to be alert for unsolicited calls or visitors that arrive at your residence," said Inspector Angela Ferguson, OPP Essex County Detachment Commander. "If anyone should receive a call in this manner, please contact your immediate family and inquire if anyone needs assistance. Please do not forward any funds without speaking to family members first and report it to the police."
Anyone who has received a similar phone call or has additional information on these incidents is urged to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
