The Medicine Hat Police Service is receiving reports that the “Grandparent Scam” is once again circulating in the community.

In the typical scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con artist pretending to be their grandchildren. The caller will sometime say that they are in trouble, usually a car accident, returning from a foreign country, or even in jail and need money immediately.

Unfortunately, victims do not verify the story until after the money has been sent as the caller specifically asks “Can you please help me? I'm in jail (or in the hospital / or in some type of financial need). But don't tell Mom/Dad. They will kill me if they find out, please sent the money ASAP. I'm scared". Wanting to help their grandchild, the victim sends the money as requested.

Variations on the scam are an old neighbor, a friend of the family etc. but predominantly the emergency scam is directed towards seniors and grandparents.

If you or someone you know has received such a request for money, take measures to verify the requestor’s identity and the legitimacy of their story before you complete the transaction. If you have fallen victim to this scam, and have not already reported it, please contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416