Grandparents scam cons 10 local residents

On Tuesday June 21, at approximately 2:34 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Tecumseh Detachment investigated a fraud after being called to a Tecumseh address.

It was determined that a resident received a phone call where a male identified himself as a lawyer currently representing their grandson who was just arrested for impaired driving. This lawyer provided case file and confirmation number to make the call sound more legitimate.

The victim was advised that his grandson was going to be held in front of a judge if he could not make bail and he would require $9,300 in cash right now. His grandson would then be released and driven home.

Since the original complaint of fraud was received, Essex County OPP is now investigating 10 incidents across Essex County that are very similar in nature that investigators believe they are all connected.

All of these incidents have targeted seniors who have received phone calls advising them that a grandchild is in trouble and that a “representative” would attend their home to collect the money.

“The OPP is reminding all Essex County residents to be extremely vigilant and to be alert for unsolicited calls or visitors that arrive at your residence,” said Inspector Angela Ferguson, Detachment Commander, Essex County OPP. “If anyone should receive a call in this manner, please contact your immediate family and inquire if anyone needs assistance. Please do not forward any funds without speaking to family members first, and report it to the police.”