Also known as the “Emergency Scam” the modus operandi for this scam is a telephone contact to a potential victim while posing as a family member or friend in urgent need of cash. Often the scenario involves an accident, arrest, hospitalization or imprisonment with a request that cash be sent through a money transfer company, such as
In yesterday’s instance a Meaford woman received a call from an individual claiming to be her brother. After indicating he had been involved in an accident in
The language used by the caller, including the name he used for himself and the way he referred to their parents seemed unusual to the caller who became suspicious and called police. Fortunately she didn’t relinquish any private information or send any money.
“Anyone receiving a call like this should be suspicious and take steps to verify the identity of the caller and the probability of their story. Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion and if in doubt contact police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)”
The CAFC was formerly known as Phonebusters. It is a joint effort involving the OPP, RCMP and Competition Bureau of
