Police and Crime Stoppers are warning residents about an increase in reports of grandparent scams targeting seniors across Chatham-Kent.
Over the past week, several complaints have been made involving scammers pretending to be grandchildren in distress — often claiming they have been arrested, involved in an accident, or urgently need help. The fraudsters typically pressure victims not to tell anyone and ask for money through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or even in-person cash pickups.
Authorities are reminding residents to never send money without verifying the story, to contact the family member directly, and to avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers.
“Pause and think — scammers want you to act fast,” officials said in a statement. “Share this message to help others stay safe and stop scammers in their tracks.”
Anyone with information about these scams or other crimes can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or visit www.ckcrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers guarantees anonymity, does not ask for names or phone numbers, and offers cash rewards for helpful tips.
In a related case, the Essex County OPP is warning residents after a Lakeshore resident lost $6,500 to a similar grandparent scam late last month.
Police said officers responded to a report of fraud around 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025. Investigators determined the victim received several phone calls from someone claiming to be a lawyer, who said her grandson had been involved in a head-on collision, was under arrest, and needed $6,500 cash for bail.
Later that day, a man arrived at the victim’s home to collect the money before leaving the area. When the victim later contacted her daughter, she discovered the story was a scam and immediately contacted police.
The Essex County OPP Crime Unit continues to investigate the case along with 11 other reports of similar scams across the region.
Police urge anyone who receives such a call to stop and verify before sending money, contact the family member directly, and speak with others before acting on urgent requests for cash.
For more information on how to prevent fraud and cybercrime, residents can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
