The Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Section says the Family/Grandparent Emergency Scam is back. In each report to police, fraudsters came to the victim’s home and defrauded them of several thousand dollars. These fraudsters are identifying themselves as police officers both over the phone and in person.

The picture with this story is of a person of interest who may have information. She is described as having dark hair and in her late 20s or early 30s with a medium build and between 5’3′ and 5’8″.

A news release from the Police Service says the victim receives a phone call from someone claiming to be a family member in an emergency who requires money. They may also work in tandem and connect the victim to another person claiming to be a police officer, lawyer, doctor or representative of another profession who asks for payment, often as cash, gift cards or cryptocurrency. Police say any legitimate authority would never make such requests.

If you have received a suspicious call and suspect fraud but have not been victimized, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you have become the victim of fraud or have information regarding the identity and/or whereabouts of the person of interest, contact your local police or report it to the Saskatoon Police Service by calling 306-975-8300; in an emergency, call 911 immediately.