Police warn of ‘emergency’ and ‘grandparent’ scams happening in Hamilton

Hamilton police are warning residents about two scams that have been happening in the city over the last two months.

Police say there has been an increase in the number of “emergency” and “grandparent” scams reported.

“We went from one reported all year to seven in the last month and a half,” said Cst. Krista-Lee Ernst. “This may not seem like a huge number but to get that many in that short a time frame is concerning.”

Investigators say the victims received a call from a fraudster posing as a grandchild or other family member. The scammer claims they have been arrested and need bail money or financial help in an emergency.

The criminal tells the victim not to call other family members because they do not want anyone to find out.

Police say in many cases, the fraudster will turn the phone over to another person, who will claim to be a lawyer or law enforcement official. The victim is then told to send money to a bank account or via courier to an address.

The Hamilton Police Major Fraud Unit has provided the following advice to help protect residents from these types of scams:

• Be suspicious of calls that demand money or immediate action.
• No law enforcement agency will demand immediate payment of currency.
• Never offer information to the caller.
• If the fraudster asks a question like “Do you know who this is?”, simply say no and have them tell you.
• Contact another family member to confirm the story.
• Remember to never send money to someone under uncertain conditions.
• Don’t be afraid to say “No”.

If you believe you have fallen victim to such a scam, please contact the Hamilton Police non-emergency line at 905-546-4925.