It appears the ugly “grandparent scam” has reared its head again in Sarnia-Lambton.  Local citizens have received calls from someone presenting themselves as a family member claiming money is needed to help someone in need.  Fraudsters have also been known to apply this scam by e mail, text message and forms of social media.  Naturally, this plays on the emotional vulnerability of the recipient.

Recently, London Police reported individuals have actually attended the residence of the victim to collect the money.  Do not be one of these victims.

If you receive such a call, you should hang up immediately and call the person that the caller is claiming to be. The common element in all these scenarios is asking for money immediately.  Lawyers, police and courts never ask for money over the phone and never demand immediate payment by offering to pick it up or by wire transfer.

If you know of someone who may be vulnerable to these types of situations, please warn them and educate them on the right thing to do.  Often the call will be from a “private number” so they will not be identified.

If you know of someone who is committing this type of crime, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or you can go on-line at www.p3tips.com.