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Richmond RCMP is warning the public following an increase in reports of grandparent scams.
Photo courtesy Richmond RCMP
Grandparent scams are back - and they are more sophisticated than ever
Published 9:29 PST, Fri November 28, 2025
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Richmond RCMP is warning the public following an increase in reports of grandparent scams.
These deceptive schemes often target seniors, but anyone can fall victim to them. This scam can take a variety of forms, but they all follow a similar formula: Suspects use high-pressure tactics to convince the victim to send money to “help” a family member in distress.
For example, in one recent case, the scammer called the victim by phone and pretended to be an official from a foreign embassy, claiming to have the victim’s grandson in custody, demanding urgent bail money. The scammer then instructed the victim to hand over cash to a taxi or courier driver who would show up at their door. In this case, the victim ultimately handed over more than $37,000 in cash before discovering it was a scam. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, we urge you to contact Richmond RCMP right away to report the incident.
Red Flags to look out for:
- Scammer often create a sense of urgency, making you feel like you must act fast.
- They will use emotional manipulation, claiming a loved one is in trouble and needs your help.
We have suggestions to better protect oneself that concur with tips from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
- Do not be afraid to say ‘no’ to the caller on the other end of a phone call.
- Call the person directly to verify if the situation is real – don’t rely on the scammer’s word.
- Never share personal details, banking info, or send money to anyone who contacts you unsolicited.
- Never send cash to strangers, especially by mail or via a third-party courier.
For more information on ways to protect yourself from these and other scams, check out the helpful information provided by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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