Police looking for individuals responsible for Longueuil grandparent scam
Posted September 25, 2023 5:40 pm.
Police in Longueuil are looking for seven people believed to be involved in a grandparent scam.
Police say in the scam, a caller pretends to be a family member of the individual they are calling. While on the phone, they indicate that they are in jail and are in need of money for bail.
They say another suspect pretends to be the lawyer, and they then explain the procedure to hand over the money. Later, a third suspect is sent to collect the money.
Police say the suspect will pretend to be a representative of a financial institution and/or a police officer, at which point they’ll tell the victim their cards have been defrauded.
The suspect then takes additional information and asks the victim to put their cards in an envelope. At this point, another suspect collects the cards.
As of right now, Longueuil police believe seven people are involved in the scam, and their photos can be found below.
Police tips
Police say it is important that you contact another family member to confirm if a person is truly in need.
It is also recommended that while on the phone, you ask questions that only that individual would know, or ask to video call them.
Police also note that officers and legal representatives never collect payment from a home.
In addition, a bank will never ask anyone to hand over their bank card. Police note that if you do for whatever reason hand over a card, don’t disclose the PINs.
Lastly, if you are contacted by a potential fraudster, hang up and report the call to police.
