Hamilton police warn of increase in 'grandparent' scams reported in recent months
The Hamilton Police Service is warning the public of an increase in “emergency” or “grandparent” scams reported in the last two months.
Police say that, under this scam, the victim will receive a call from a fraudster posing as a grandchild or other family member, claiming that they’ve been arrested and need financial help.
Often, the fraudster will ask the victim not to call other family members. Police say the fraudster will also often turn the phone over to another person, who poses as a lawyer or law enforcement.
The victim is directed to send money to a bank account or via courier to an address.
Hamilton police’s Major Fraud Unit is advising the public to be suspicious of calls that demand money and to never offer personal information or money over the phone.
“If the fraudster asks a question like ‘Do you know who this is?’, simply say no and have them tell you,” a release issued by police says.
Always contact a secondary family member to confirm the situation if you receive a call such as this, police say.
Hamilton police are asking anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to such a scam to contact them at 905-546-4925.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Questlove was not happy with Drake and Kendrick Lamar's beef: 'Nobody won the war'
While some may have been excited and/or amused by the diss-track feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the man many consider to be an elder statesman of hip-hop appears less than enthused about it.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Trump heading to Jersey Shore to rally 'mega crowd' in weekend break from hush money trial
After a long week in court, Donald Trump is heading to the Jersey Shore. And his campaign says he'll be joined by "tens of thousands" of his friends.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.