RCMP on Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) are alerting the public about ongoing text and phone scams targeting parents by impersonating their children or other relatives in distress to solicit money. Corporal Gavin Moore, the media relations officer for P.E.I. RCMP, explained that this scheme is an evolution of the traditional “grandparent scam” where individuals pose as grandchildren seeking financial aid.
In this new version of the scam, parents receive texts from unfamiliar numbers claiming to be their child in urgent need of money due to a lost or damaged phone. The scammers typically request e-transfers or other forms of payment, hoping to catch the parent off guard before verifying the legitimacy of the message.
According to a recent RCMP news release, scammers are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, such as using a friend’s phone or manipulating caller ID to appear authentic. They may also leverage information from social media to make their messages more convincing. Islanders have been targeted with demands for substantial sums, posing a significant financial threat.
While the RCMP has received numerous complaints about these scams in recent months, Corporal Moore emphasized that the reported cases may not fully represent the extent of the issue. Victims often feel embarrassed about being defrauded, leading to underreporting. Moore urged victims not to feel isolated and encouraged them to contact the police for assistance.
To combat these scams, the RCMP advises Islanders to take precautions, including verifying requests for money directly with the person using a trusted phone number, being cautious of urgent demands accompanied by pressure or secrecy, and consulting with a trusted individual before sending money. Additionally, they recommend not relying solely on text messages or caller ID for identity verification and taking time to confirm suspicious requests.
Individuals who suspect they have fallen victim to fraud are urged to contact their local police and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre immediately for assistance.