Lethbridge police issue warning after seniors fall prey to grandparent scam

Lethbridge Police Headquarters is shown in Lethbridge, Alta., on March 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Rossiter

Police out of Lethbridge say they’ve seen an increase in reports of grandparent scam calls in the southern Alberta city.

The Lethbridge Police Service says the spike in activity consists of two calls reported in as many days.

“Scammers contacted older residents and in both incidents advised the victims their grandchild was being held at the police station and needed money,” say police.

“An unknown person subsequently attended each home and collected $7,000 and $8,000, respectively.”

Anyone who receives such a call “is advised to disconnect the call.”

“Do not provide any personal information and do not provide any cash or other forms of payment,” say police.

Anyone who has fallen victim to the scam but has not yet reported it “is asked to call police at 403-328-4444.”