The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has issued a fresh and urgent warning to residents of the Ottawa Valley about a disturbing resurgence of the so-called "grandparent scam." This emotionally manipulative fraud preys on seniors' love and concern for their family, and authorities are urging the public to be extremely vigilant.
How the Deceptive Scam Operates
In a typical grandparent scam scenario, a fraudster contacts an elderly person by phone, posing as a grandchild in desperate trouble. The caller often sounds panicked and may claim to have been in a car accident, arrested, or stranded in a foreign country. They plead for immediate financial help to cover bail, legal fees, or medical bills, insisting the matter be kept secret from their parents.
The scammer then hands the phone to another individual pretending to be a police officer, lawyer, or bail bondsman, who provides fraudulent instructions for sending money, usually via wire transfer, courier, or cryptocurrency. The entire scheme is designed to create a sense of urgency and fear, bypassing the victim's logical judgment.
OPP's Advice to Prevent Financial and Emotional Harm
The OPP is emphasizing several critical steps to combat this fraud. First and foremost, they advise residents to pause and verify any urgent request for money. Hang up the phone and call the grandchild or other family members directly using known, trusted numbers to confirm their whereabouts and safety.
Police remind the public that legitimate law enforcement or court officials will never demand immediate payment over the phone or request secrecy from family. Be suspicious of any caller who pressures you to act quickly, asks for payment in unconventional forms like gift cards or crypto, or insists you not tell anyone.
Community Vigilance is Key to Protection
This warning, issued on January 13, 2026, underscores the ongoing threat financial scams pose to vulnerable community members. The OPP encourages everyone to discuss these scams with older relatives and neighbours. Creating a simple family code word can be an effective way to verify a real emergency.
If you or someone you know has been targeted, report the incident immediately to your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. While recovering lost funds is often difficult, reporting helps investigators track trends and potentially stop the criminals. Protecting the community requires awareness and shared vigilance against these heartless schemes.
