Hudson’s Hope RCMP warn residents after recent seniors scams

HUDSONS HOPE, B.C. — Hudson’s Hope RCMP are reminding the public to take steps to protect themselves from recent scam attempts. 

According to the Hudson’s Hope RCMP, two seniors were recently targeted by a scam law enforcement is calling ‘the grandparent scam.’

“The grandparent scam is where a person, usually an elderly person, receives a phone call from somebody claiming to be a family member who is in some kind of distress,” said BC RCMP.

An example of this scam is a caller pretending to be the targeted person’s grandson, claiming they need money because they’ve been arrested, robbed or in an accident. 

BC RCMP warns in this scenario, the caller isn’t the relative they claim to be, and the money goes to the scammer. 

“Often, all the information the scammer needs to pull off the scam is provided on social media or simply by the victim themselves.”

According to BC RCMP, digital manipulation, likely using Artificial Intelligence (AI), has allowed the scam to evolve and make the voice in phone calls sound more realistic. 

Residents are urged to be suspicious of anyone requesting money or gift cards, and to be extra vigilant if the request is made through a wire transfer, which RCMP say is difficult to track and nearly impossible to recover. 

RCMP also said money being requested through a cryptocurrency ATM is an increasingly common tactic during this scam.

To avoid becoming a victim, the RCMP recommends following these tips: ask the speaker for their name rather than offering it. Make your own calls, verify the caller’s identity and whereabouts with other family members, even if the caller says “don’t tell mom and dad.” 

“Do not be afraid to say ‘no’ to the caller. You don’t need to send money immediately.” 

Never share personal, banking or credit card information with anyone who calls you. Don’t send cash or gift cards through the mail and never purchase someone cryptocurrency under these circumstances.  

Residents who think they have been victims of fraud, or who know someone who may have been, should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or visiting its website.