Phone scam targets grandmother in Lower Sackville
Police say the 72-year-old's wire transfer couldn't be recovered
Another telephone scam targeting seniors has Halifax RCMP once again warning people to be cautious when someone is asking for money over the phone.
Police say last Wednesday a 72-year-old Lower Sackville woman received a call from a man she believed was her grandson. The caller said he had been in a car crash in the Dominican Republic and needed money to get out of jail.
The woman then wired "a significant amount of money" to the Caribbean country, police say.
The victim later figured out the caller was a fraudster and reported the incident to police, however the money was already gone.
"These scammers are well rehearsed, well prepared and prey on the love of grandparents to help their grandchildren return home," Cpl. Greg Church said in a news release.
Police say the scammers involved in so-called emergency or grandparent scams will often have the grandparent reveal the name of their grandchild. The caller then uses that information to say there has been some kind of an emergency in a foreign country that requires the victim send cash immediately.
The caller will also beg for secrecy, in order to stop grandparents from phoning the grandchild's parents to verify the story.
Scammers even have an excuse ready if grandparents ask why they sound different over the phone. They'll say they've had some kind of injury to their nose or mouth.
Police say once a victim wires money, more calls may follow, employing other callers who pose as attorneys, bail bondsmen or doctors.
Halifax RCMP say it's important to verify with other family members if there's a purported emergency, and hang up and call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501 if still unsure.