Investigators with the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit are warning the community after the re-emergence of frauds targeting elderly and vulnerable citizens.
Since the start of January 2025, police have seen an increase in reports from citizens across the region who have been targeted by fraudsters, with over $19,000 being lost by victims.
These scams are often referred to as grandparent scams, as fraudsters will prey on a grandparent’s bond with their grandchild with the intent to defraud them. Criminals will place a telephone call to an elderly person while posing as their grandchild in distress, asking for money. In some cases, a second suspect will play the role of a government official, a police officer or a lawyer who then provides instructions on how the victim can deliver the money.
Investigators believe there may be more victims that have not yet reported similar incidents to police.
A list of ongoing scams, including grandparent scams, and tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, are available at yrp.ca/fraud.
Crime Prevention Tips:
- Never offer personal or financial information to the caller
- Call the grandchild or family member in question, at a phone number you recognize as their own
- Ask the caller personal questions that only your grandchild could answer but an imposter could not
- Verify the story or information with family first
- Press the caller for details if they identify as a government official and verify their information
- Never send money to someone you don’t know
- Please take some time and ask yourself: “Could this be a scam?” “Does it make sense?”
We encourage citizens to share fraud prevention tips with friends and family, especially seniors or newcomers to Canada, who are frequently the targeted victims.
If you have been a victim of a fraud, and have lost money, report the incident promptly to the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit either online at yrp.ca/ReportIt or by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6627. To report frauds where no money has been lost, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.
Prepared by: Constable James Dickson
February 7, 2025
