Grandparent scam targets Manitoba seniors

A troubling scam continues to target seniors across Canada – including right here in Manitoba. Often called the “grandparent scam” orthe “emergency scam,” it preys on the love and concern grandparents have for their families.

Typically, a senior will receive a phone call, often during the day, from an unfamiliar or blocked number. The caller claims to be a grandchild in urgent trouble. They may say they’ve been in a car accident, arrested, or facing some other emergency. Most times, another person comes on the line, pretending to be a police officer or lawyer to make the story sound more believable.

These callers create a strong sense of urgency. They may beg the grandparent to not tell anyone else in the family, claiming there’s a “gag order” or that they’re too embarrassed to let others know. The goal is to cause panic and prevent the victim from verifying the story.

Once the grandparent is emotionally involved, the scammer asks for money – often thousands of dollars – to help fix the problem. They may insist the funds are needed immediately for bail, legal fees, or fines. In some cases, scammers have even arranged taxi rides to take seniors to the bank if they no longer drive. After the cash is withdrawn, a courier is sent to the senior’s home to collect it. That courier could be part of the scam, another person who has been misled, or a delivery company unaware of the scam.

The financial impact has been significant. According to figures released by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Manitobans lost about $350,000 to grandparent scams in 2024. And those are just the cases that were reported.

The good news is there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• If you don’t recognize the phone number, let the call go to voicemail;

• If someone pressures you to act immediately, just hang up;

• Call a trusted family member using a phone number you already have — not one provided by the caller.

Remember: police and attorneys will never ask you to provide cash to “bail out” a loved one over the phone. Legitimate bail processes go through the courts.

Most importantly, slow down. Scammers rely on fear and urgency. Taking a moment to pause and verify the story can prevent heartbreak and financial loss.

When in doubt, just hang up!

Learn how to recognize, prevent, and report scams at JustHangUp.ca