Moose Jaw police warning of possible resurgence of grandparent scams

The Moose Jaw Police Service crest can be seen in this file photo. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) is asking the public to be vigilant as the holidays approach, as grandparent scams may begin to re-circulate within the community.

The scam involves a caller pretending to be grandchild or family member who has been arrested or is in danger.

According to police, the caller indicates they need money and tells the victim that a lawyer, police officer or judge will contact them.

After obtaining information during the initial call, someone impersonating a lawyer, police officer, or judge makes a second call to the victim – where the scammer instructs them to withdraw a large amount of money and await further directions.

"The MJPS, lawyers, judges, or jails do not call people personally to request money. Also, if the caller is requesting payment via gift cards or Bitcoin, it’s a scam," the service explained in news release.

MJPS has not received any reports of scams in the past several weeks. Regardless, residents are asked to remain cautious.

The service encourages anyone who becomes suspicious of a call of this nature to reach out to a family member to verify the claims or requests.

According to MJPS, the scammer has gone to the victim’s house to collect the payment in person or had the victim deposit large sums of money into a Bitcoin ATM.

"If someone asks to come to your home to pick up payment, it‘s a scam," the service noted.

"The Moose Jaw Police Service would like to remind the public not to provide personal information over the phone."

The MJPS is encouraging families and friend groups that consist of older, vulnerable adults to openly discuss the scam to prevent “continued victimization in the community.”

"If you have received a suspicious call and suspect fraud but have not been victimized, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre."