Timmins police warns fraudsters using AI to mimic voices of their grandchildren
Timmins Police Chief Sydney Lecky told CTV News that the 'grandparent scam' is one that fraudsters are still using to trick elderly people into handing over their money.
Lecky said the Timmins Police Service has recently received reports of this happening in the city and is warning residents that criminals are getting even more creative with this particular scam by using AI.
"Sometimes they'll phone -- and that phone call may sound like a family member. Using artificial intelligence, they can mimic their voices now, so you really have to be careful," said Lecky.
"There's even spoofing of phone numbers so when they dial your number, you'll see a number that appears as a family member's phone number or even the police."
Police encourage the public to protect themselves by following a few simple steps if receiving a call from a so-called grandchild.
-Take time to call a loved one to verify if a grandchild is requesting money or call the police or a lawyer.
-Ask yourself, if a stranger came to your door asking for information, would you provide it? If not, don’t give it to someone over the phone or online.
-Say no if you feel pressured.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
Romance scams and fake calls from the Canada Revenue Agency are two other rackets. The Timmins Senior Recreation Centre said it’s planning to offer a presentation on the topic of scams next month for its members.
"Well, for one, they don't really know how to use technology. They're not sure what to look out for," said Liz Flemming, coordinator at the Timmins Senior Recreation Centre.
"So if they get a text message and they read it, they're like, that's from my friend. Well, if it doesn't say your friend, you should just swipe it off, block it."
Fleming also suggested members talk to one another about the various scams they may have experienced when they come to socialize at the centre. She said it’s another way to help one another.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
Advocacy group fights to save Alberta's wild horses from population control plan 10 years after cull
An Alberta advocacy group is pushing to save the province's wild horse population, 10 years after the government ordered a cull and amid a new plan to manage the animal's numbers.
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
'There was no stopping this baby from coming': Woman gives birth while aboard Newfoundland ferry
A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
Canmore wildlife and landscape defender Karsten Heuer dies peacefully at 56
Canmore conservationist Karsten Heuer, who was a biologist, park ranger, author and activist, has died.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.