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.

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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.