RCMP logo is shown in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)
Manitoba RCMP are warning of a surge in telephone scams targeting seniors, with a recent increase in “grandparent scams” reported in northern Manitoba, including Flin Flon.
In the past few months, four elderly residents received calls from fraudsters posing as relatives or lawyers, claiming a family member needed bail money. Victims were asked to mail large sums of cash to addresses outside the province. Two people lost thousands of dollars, while one transaction was intercepted.
“It’s unfortunate that we have encountered more incidents where senior citizens have been the victim of these types of frauds,” said Staff Sgt. Kevin Cavanagh of the Manitoba RCMP major crime services cyber and financial crime unit.
“Fraudsters are constantly adapting these scams, seeking new ways to generate a sense of urgency and entice victims to help a family member in need.”
Police urge the public to be suspicious of urgent calls requesting bail money, hang up and verify with family directly, and never send cash through the mail.
Anyone targeted is asked to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers, and victims can also report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
