Fraudulent call for help from family members

Worried senior on the phone

Although seniors are often targeted in these types of scams, anyone can be a victim.

The most common variation – The grandparent scam is where a person, usually an elderly person receives a phone call from somebody claiming to be a family member who is in some kind of distress.

For example, the scammer pretends to be their grandson and they need money sent right now because:

The problem with this is that the caller really isn't the relative that they claim to be and your money is going to the scammer. Often, all the information the scammer needs to pull off the scam is provided on social media or simply by the victim themselves.

This scam has evolved and become even far more sophisticated - the voice used in the phone call may be altered to sound real. This is accomplished using digital manipulation, likely with the help of A.I. (Artificial Intelligence).

Automatically be suspicious of:


Avoid being a victim:

Recognize it, Report it, Stop it.

If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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