Stratford residents are warned to be cognisant of ongoing grandparent scams
Stratford police are warning area residents to be wary of ongoing grandparent scams.
At the March 13 police services board meeting, Stratford Police Chief Greg Skinner warned grandparent scams are still prevalent in the area. Grandparent scams are still happening and on the rise throughout Stratford. Last February, 15 scams were reported in the area, and this year, there have been almost double that, with 26 scams reported.
Earlier this year, an alleged scammer was arrested in Stratford after three people contacted police to say they were victims of a grandparent scheme.
“They were able to scam one couple out of $7,300 and another couple out of $400,” said Skinner. “Thankfully, thanks to the good work of our officers, on the third attempt, police were able to set up in an area where a courier truck was supposed to show up to pick up money.”
Though the perpetrator was caught, Skinner notes, “Unfortunately, when that money's gone, it’s gone pretty quickly via Western Union or other financial institutions.”
According to the February police crime report, another Stratford woman was the victim of a celebrity impersonation scam, losing more than $50,000.
“This woman believed that she was sending money to celebrity Channing Tatum and unfortunately was the victim of these ongoing scams,” Skinner said.
Police say these scams are still happening and prevalent. Though there have been successful scams reporter, Skinner said five or six more were unsuccessful. However, it's still important to be cognizant of scams, he reiterated.
On a final note, Skinner says, “If it seems suspicious, it probably is a scam.”
Anyone who thinks they’ve been a victim of a grandparent scam should call Stratford police at 519-271-4141.
Amanda Modaragamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Stratford Times
