Five local citizens have been defrauded this year of almost $25,000 in total through the “Grandparent Scam,” according to the Abbotsford Police Department (APD).
APD media officer Const. Art Stele said the fraud occurred between February and November. An additional four people reported being targeted as part of the scam, bringing the total number of victims to nine.
The victims were all between the ages of 72 and 92, Stele said.
The scam involves the culprits contacting the victims and posing as lawyers, saying their family member has been in an accident and requires money to pay for damages.
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In other cases, the scammers pose as law enforcement and tell the victim that their family member is being held in jail and needs money for bail.
Stele said the APD wants the public to be aware of these scams, particularly over the holiday season.
“Beware of suspicious calls in which persons pose as banking officials, lawyers, and law enforcement demanding funds with little to no viable background information,” he said.
The APD is hosting a free information session about fraud and scam prevention – specifically for seniors – on Friday, Dec. 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Clearbrook Library, 32320 George Fergsuon Way.
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