According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, over $9.2 million was reported lost last year due to emergency scams like the grandparent scam
A fraud prevention campaign has been launched to raise awareness about "grandparent scams" targeting seniors.
The scam usually involves someone calling a senior, claiming to be a law enforcement officer or a family member in trouble.
The victim is asked to hand over money for bail, legal fees, or fines, and is often told there is a gag order.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says over $9.2 million was reported lost last year due to emergency scams.
However, the OPP notes only about five to ten percent of such frauds are reported to police.
OPP Detective Constable John Armit offers several tips.
"Hang up the phone. It's that easy. It stops. Contact your family member directly. The caller will claim to be a lawyer in law enforcement. Hang up, call your local police service directly and question that."
He also says the Canadian Criminal Justice System does not allow for anyone to be bailed out of jail with cash or cryptocurrency.
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