The Saskatoon Police Service is sounding the alarm after a troubling uptick in fraudulent incidents targeting vulnerable members of the community through what is known as the Family/Grandparent Emergency Scam.
According to the Economic Crime Section, multiple reports have surfaced in recent weeks involving scammers who contact elderly residents by phone, posing as legal or law enforcement representatives. The fraudsters claim that a grandchild or family member is in police custody—typically following a car accident or drug-related incident—and urgently needs bail money.
What makes this scam particularly alarming is that the fraudsters are not just calling; they’re showing up. In every confirmed case, the scam artists have gone directly to victims’ homes to collect large sums of money—sometimes totaling several thousand dollars. Police believe both a man and a woman are involved, and a photograph of the female suspect has been released to aid in the investigation.
Authorities are reminding the public that no legitimate law enforcement agency or legal entity would request or collect bail money over the phone or through house visits.
“This scam preys on the emotions and trust of vulnerable individuals,” police stated. “The fraudsters often sound convincing, creating a sense of urgency and panic to pressure the victim into complying.”
In many cases, scammers will pass the phone to someone claiming to be a police officer, lawyer, or even a doctor to add legitimacy. Payment is commonly requested in cash, but in other cases, gift cards or cryptocurrency have been demanded.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant and have proactive conversations with older family members about these types of scams. Police recommend asking questions to verify any caller’s identity and never volunteering personal or financial information. When in doubt, hang up and contact the family member or appropriate authority directly.
Anyone who suspects they have received a fraudulent call but has not been victimized is encouraged to report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Those who have lost money are advised to call the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 or dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.
With suspects still at large, police are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to their identification and arrest. The released photo of the female person of interest is hoped to generate leads.
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