The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to again inform residents of a scam, commonly referred to as the “Grandparent Scam”, which is active in our community. Over past 24 hours multiple reports have been received from local residents advising that they have been the victim of the scam or have received a call from the fraudsters attempting to execute the scam.

Traditionally, fraudsters contact potential victims while posing as a family member or friend in urgent need of cash. Often the scenario involves an accident or arrest while travelling abroad, with a request that cash be sent through a money transfer company, such as Western Union or Money Gram. 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.

In the most recent reports from Medicine Hat, a male has been posing as a lawyer on behalf of a grandchild. This male advises the unsuspecting victim that their grandchild is in legal trouble and requires financial aid to assist. Arrangements are then made for a financial bailout, where the suspect attends to the victim’s home in person and picks up the money.

The MHPS is asking for this information to be shared to prevent others from falling victim to the scam and asking those who have fallen victim to the scam and have not already reported, to contact police at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421