Grenville County OPP are investigating a possible “Grandparent Scam” in the area. On June 19 an Athens resident received a phone call from a woman posing as her daughter. The woman was upset and said she had been in an accident. A man then came on the line and told the resident he was a lawyer and provided a phone number. He then said a fine of $1500 would have to be paid for the “daughter” through Western Union before she could be released. The resident was able to contact her daughter to confirm she was ok and the information she had received in the phone call was false. The OPP would like to remind seniors and vulnerable citizens that they are primary targets for scammers who prey upon their emotions and rob them of their money.
If you or someone you know may have been the victim of an ‘emergency’ scam, contact your local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).