Ontario Provincial Police is reminding the public to be vigilant after a Norfolk County resident fell victim to an “emergency scam.”

Police say the victim received a call from a man claiming to be a lawyer. The man told the homeowner that their grandson was currently in jail after being involved in a vehicle collision.

The scammer instructed the resident to send $5,000 in order for the grandson to be released on bail.

“The victim in this matter was quite upset and immediately attended their financial institution and withdrew the funds and sent the money,” said OPP in a news release.

Police say an additional $1,000 was also sent by another family before they realized it was in fact a scam.

OPP are reminding all residents to be extremely vigilant and to be alert for unsolicited calls, emails, faxes or visitors that arrive at your home.

“Modern, tech savvy, scammers have personal information about you before they ever try to contact you. It is imperative to verify any unsolicited contact before you respond and provide information. Keep your guard up when you receive a surprise call from anyone soliciting funds and indicating that a loved one is in jail or have been involved in a serious incident,” said OPP.

Anyone with information regarding this scam or any other similar incidents is asked to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122.