Quick response by family, Ottawa police thwarts 'grandparent scam'

Quick response by family members and investigators prevented a senior from losing nearly $6,000 in a “grandparent scam” on Tuesday, Ottawa police said Wednesday.

A family member called police at about 1:20 p.m., concerned that his grandfather was being targeted by scammers. The victim had been called by a man claiming to be a lawyer, saying the victim’s grandson had been in a collision and needed $6,000 for bail.

The senior headed to a bank to withdraw the money, and family members were unable to reach him because he’d left without his cellphone. Fortunately, Ottawa Police Service patrol officers tracked him down and stopped him before the money was handed over.

Once back at his home, the senior was told by the scammer to call back once he had the money. The scammer called several times, identifying himself as “Charles Golden,” and later referenced the senior’s grandson.

He insisted on secrecy and claimed a pregnant woman had been involved in the collision. He also said the bail money would be refunded through the courts within two days.

Finally, a man claiming to be a “court-appointed trustee” arrived at the senior’s residence to collect the money.

The man fled when he spotted police, but he was arrested following a brief foot pursuit.

Police said in the release on Wednesday that a 35-year-old man from Terrebonne, Que., had been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. No further details were immediately available.

“These scams occur far too often and exploit people’s emotions and their desire to help loved ones,” police said.

“We believe more victims were targeted in the Ottawa area yesterday, and we are asking anyone with information to come forward and phone our police reporting unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300, or report online at ottawapolice.ca/report.”

Important reminders for  grandparent scam victims:

• Never trust caller ID on your phone. It can be spoofed to look official.

• Use a “family safe word.” A simple word/phrase only your family would know. If the caller can’t answer it, end the call.

• Police/courts won’t demand payment by gift cards, crypto, wire transfers or courier pickups. Any of those equals “scam.”

• Don’t share any personal info.

• Slow down. Scammers rely on panic, such as “Don’t tell anyone.” Take a breath and pause.

• If you’ve sent money, or info: act fast. Contact your bank/credit card company immediately, report it to police and consider reporting the matter to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.