Emergency or “Grandparent” Scam
Though the “Emergency Scam” (or sometimes referred to as the “Grandparent Scam”) has been around for years, the Cornwall Community Police Service warns the public to be on alert after noting a marked increase in the number of complaints recently.
In the typical scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con-artist claiming to be one of his or her grandchildren. The caller goes on to say that they are in some kind of trouble and need money immediately. Typically they claim being in a car accident, trouble returning from a foreign country or they need bail money.
A typical call can go something like this:
Con-artist: Hi, Grandma/Grandpa
Victim: Hi.
Con-artist: Do you know who this is?
Victim: John?
Con-artist: Yeah.
Victims don’t verify the story until after the money has been sent as the caller specifically asks that they do not want other relatives to know what has happened. Wanting to help their grandchild, the victim sends money by a money transfer company such as Money Gram or Western Union.
Variations on the scam exist such as an old neighbour, a friend of the family etc. but predominantly the emergency scam is directed toward the grandparents.
The Cornwall Community Police Service is committed to our residents through our Vision: “A Safer Cornwall, reducing crime always”.
If you require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Cornwall Community Police Service by dialing (613) 933-5000, ext. 2758 or 2782, our web-site www.cornwallpolice.com or http://www.antifraudcentre-
Warrant
Cornwall, ON- Brent Markell, 27 of Cornwall was arrested on the strength of an outstanding Brockville warrant. It is alleged that he failed to attend court in Brockville and a warrant was issued. On the 20th of April 2012 the male was located by members of the Cornwall Community Police Service Patrol Division and subsequently turned over to the Brockville Police Service.
Impaired Operation
Cornwall, ON- Ryan McDonald, 33 of Cornwall was arrested on the 20th of April 2012. It is alleged that he was operating a motor vehicle on Brookdale Avenue while under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and over .08. He was later released to appear in court on the 8th of May 2012.
Breach
Cornwall, ON- Priscilla Thompson, 43 of Akwesasne was arrested on the 18th of April 2012. She was bound by the provisions of an undertaking with the relevant conditions to abstain from driving any motor vehicle whatsoever and to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. On the 18th of April 2012 she was observed by Canada Border Service agents to be operating a motor vehicle entering Cornwall via the Seaway International Bridge and as a result was arrested and turned over to members of the Cornwall Community Police Service Patrol Division who continued the investigation. She was charged with two counts of breach of undertaking and held in custody until court the following day.
Cornwall, ON- A 13 year old Cornwall male was arrested on the 18th of April 2012. He was bound by the provisions of a probation order with the relevant conditions to keep the peace and be of good behaviour, to reside only at an address approved and comply with the routine and discipline of such residence. It is alleged that on the 18th of April the young person got upset and smashed drinking glasses on the floor. As a result police were contacted and an investigation ensued. The young person was subsequently charged with two counts of breach of probation and mischief under $5000. He was released to appear in court on the 17th of May 2012. His name is not being released due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
And from the OPP:
DOMESTIC INCIDENT
(North Dundas) – On 19Apr12, at approximately 2:20pm, SD&G OPP officers responded to a report of a domestic incident on County Road 7, North Dundas Township.
The investigation revealed that a male and his 41yr old wife were involved in a verbal altercation that resulted in the female assaulting the male.
She was arrested and faces a charge of:
- Assault
She is scheduled to appear 01May12 in Cornwall court.
TRAFFIC STOP NETS DRUGS
(South Glengarry) – On 18Apr12, at approximately 3:00pm, members of the SD&G OPP Street Crime Unit had occasion to conduct a traffic stop on County Road 2, South Glengarry Township.
The stop resulted in the seizure (17grams) of suspected marihuana.
The four male occupants of the vehicle ( Richard BELAIR 44yrs of Val- Des- Monts, QC, James ETHIER 29yrs of Gatineau, QC, Dominique GAGNON of Montreal, QC and a 16yr old youth of Val-Des-Monts, QC) were arrested and face charges of:
- Possession Schedule II Cannabis Marihuana
They are scheduled to appear 05June12 in Alexandria court
“…. Victims don’t verify the story until after the money has been sent as the caller specifically asks that they do not want other relatives to know what has happened. Wanting to help their grandchild, the victim sends money by a money transfer company such as Money Gram or Western Union.”
This is the usual case with this grandparent scam. Based on the reports posted at http://www.callercenter.com, most victims admitted similar reaction to such calls and as a result, fell for the scheme. As much as we like to avoid being tricked, we can never be too careful with all the scammers around.