The Moose Jaw Police Service says it has recently received several reports of the Grandparent-Parent scam and are warning the public to remain vigilant.

The caller pretends to be a grandchild or family member that has been arrested or is in danger and tells the potential victim that they need money then says a lawyer, police officer, or judge will contact them. Once information is obtained from the initial call a second call is placed to the victim from someone impersonating a lawyer, police officer, or judge. The victim is instructed to withdraw a large amount of money and await further directions.

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 and recently, the scammers have been directing victims to various Bitcoin ATMs within Moose Jaw. The scammer then will instruct the victim to deposit money into different Bitcoin wallets.

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, please get in touch with your local police service or Crime Stoppers.

This past February a 28-year-old woman from Alberta was charged with defrauding several Saskatoon residents of more than $97,000. The year prior Saskatoon area residents were bilked of amounts more than $100,000 from the Grandparent-family scam.