The RCMP is urging Manitobans to stay vigilant as fraudsters continue to target seniors with a phone scam designed to exploit their concern for loved ones.
Known as the “grandparent scam,” the scheme typically begins with a phone call from someone pretending to be a relative or a lawyer. The caller claims a family member has been arrested or is in legal trouble and urgently needs bail money. Victims are then instructed to send thousands of dollars — often by mail — to an address outside the province.
“These scams are designed to create panic and pressure people into acting quickly without thinking,” said Staff Sgt. Kevin Cavanagh of the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services Cyber and Financial Crime Unit. “Fraudsters are constantly adapting their stories to sound believable and generate a sense of urgency. Our message is simple: never send money and always verify before taking action.”
Police say the scams are happening across the province and have recently surfaced in northern Manitoba, where four elderly residents in Flin Flon received calls over the past few months. In two cases, victims mailed thousands of dollars before realizing they had been scammed. A third transaction was intercepted and returned. Investigators have not confirmed whether the incidents are linked.
The RCMP is reminding Manitobans to take precautions when receiving unexpected calls asking for money:
Be suspicious of any call demanding immediate payment or bail money for a loved one.
If you receive such a call, hang up and contact the family member directly using a known phone number.
If the caller claims to be law enforcement and requests payment, hang up and call your local police detachment.
Be mindful of what you share online — scammers often gather personal details from social media to make their stories more convincing.
Use strong, unique passwords for all social media and email accounts.
Anyone with information about a scam is asked to contact their local RCMP detachment. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
Victims of cybercrime or fraud can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
