Edmonton seniors are increasingly being targeted by scammers who in many cases are impersonating police officers, authorities are warning.
The Edmonton Police Service says it’s received 21 reports of seniors being targeted by scammers in the past two months.
“The common tactic involves the suspects posing as police officers claiming that a child or grandchild has been arrested and requires immediate bail money to be released from custody,” EPS said in a news release.
Police say scammers create a sense of urgency and insist payment be made in cash, credit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold or jewellery.
“In some cases, a courier is sent directly to the victim’s home to collect payment or the ‘police officer’ will meet the senior in person,” according to police.
The fraudsters often continue to demand more money from victims, police say, for purported legal fees, court costs, and other charges.
Some victims have lost a substantial amount of money, police warn.
“These criminals are manipulative, convincing, and highly skilled at creating panic,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Zaparyniuk of the EPS financial crimes section. “They deliberately prey on seniors by exploiting the fear and concern they have for their loved ones.”
Edmonton police are warning seniors an officer would never call to demand payment of any kind to secure someone’s release from custody. The seniors are being asked to hang up immediately and contact a family member if such a call comes in.
“We want seniors to know that it’s okay to be skeptical, even if someone claims to be a police officer. We won’t be offended if you question the call or hang up to verify who you’re speaking with,” said Zaparyniuk. “If someone is demanding money, creating urgency, or telling you to keep a secret, those are major red flags.
“We also encourage family members to have conversations with their parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbours about these scams. A simple conversation can prevent someone from becoming a victim and losing their hard-earned savings.”
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