Police are seeking this person of interest in a 'grandparent scam.' (Submitted photo/Prince Albert Police Service)

By paNOW Staff

Scam alert

Person of interest sought in ‘grandparent scam’

Dec 12, 2024 | 3:05 PM

A victim has been defrauded of several thousand dollars in Prince Albert after falling prey to what police call a family, grandparent or friend emergency scam.

Around 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 11, members of the Prince Albert Police Alternative Call Response Unit began investigating a report of fraud. The victim received a phone call from someone claiming to be a family friend in an emergency who required money. The person of interest went to the home claiming to be an employee of a certain authority and that is when police believe the fraud occurred. Officers were able to obtain a photo of the suspect from the residence and have released it to the public in the hopes that someone with information will contact them at 306-953-4222 or through Crimestoppers.

Scams, often targeting older or vulnerable adults, are becoming an all too common occurrence.

A reader of paNOW told the newsroom that he received two calls earlier in the week from someone claiming to be his grandson. The fraudster told the victim they got into an accident, were in jail and needed $6,800 to post bond.

“They try and get you to say your grandson’s name,” he said. “The scary part for me was it did sound like my grandson.”

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Fortunately, the potential victim did not send any money in that case.

The Prince Albert Police Service said it is currently investigating multiple reports from members of the public regarding the same con: the victim receives a phone call from someone claiming to be a family member or friend in an emergency and requiring money for various purposes.

Police said the fraudsters will often work in tandem and connect the victim to another person claiming to be a police officer, lawyer, doctor, or representative of another profession; however, any legitimate authority would never make those types of requests.

The police service is encouraging families and friend groups, especially those consisting of older or vulnerable adults, to discuss the scams and spread awareness to prevent victimization.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com