Over the past two days, September 24 and 25, 2024, the Greater Sudbury Police Service has received three calls regarding the “Grandparent scam”. In all three instances, community members were contacted by fraudsters claiming to be the lawyer of a family member who was involved in a collision. The fraudster claims to need the money for lawyer fees to represent the family member in court.

The fraudster then attends the individual’s residence to collect the money. The individual is described as being a man, in his 40’s, around 5’5” tall, wearing a black surgical mask and a black suit.

Unfortunately, the community members who have fallen victim to this scam have paid between $5,000-$15,000 to the fraudster.

Anyone with information related to these incidents or the identity of the individual involved is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-8477.

If you have parents or grandparents who do not have regular access to the internet or social media, please take the time to have a conversation with them about scams.

To protect yourself and your loved ones always take time to verify the story. Scammers are counting on you wanting to quickly help your loved one in an emergency.

Always call your child or grandchild to confirm their whereabouts.

Never send or give money to anyone you do not know or trust.

Never give out personal information including your address to unknown individuals calling your home or cellphone. 

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