RCMP are continuing to warn the public of an ongoing scam that has been circulating in the province.
The “grandparent scam” is when a fraudster calls a grandparent and pretends to be a family member in an emergency demanding money immediately.
Other cases include the fraudster identifying themselves as a police officer, lawyer, or government official, stating they are calling on behalf of a family member in legal trouble, with the same goal of extorting money as quickly as possible.
Police said the latest calls regarding the grandparent scam in New Brunswick have been reported in the Greater Moncton Region, as well as Kings, York, and Madawaska counties.
Mounties listed the best ways you can help others protect themselves by sharing the following information:
- If you receive one of these calls, do not provide confidential, personal, or financial information over the phone.
- Hang up immediately if you believe a scammer is calling you, regardless of the phone number they may be calling from.
- If you receive a voicemail from someone looking for money do not call them back.
- Report the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. If you or someone you know falls victim to such a fraud, also contact your local police and financial institution.
