CK Crime Stoppers is warning residents to stay alert to the “Grandparent Scam,” a fraud tactic that continues to target older adults and vulnerable community members through urgent and emotional phone calls.
The warning comes as the Essex County Ontario Provincial Police arrested two individuals in connection with an attempted grandparent scam targeting a senior in the Town of Essex.
According to police, a resident on Fairview Avenue East received a phone call on March 5, 2026, from a man claiming to be her grandson in distress. The caller attempted to convince the victim to withdraw money for legal fees and advised that someone would attend the residence to collect the money.
Police say a neighbour recognized the scam and contacted officers, who responded and arrested two people.
CK Crime Stoppers says it has recently seen an increase in reports of the scam locally.
“We have recently seen an increase in the number of people reporting this kind of scam, and while it is very positive news to hear that people are not falling for it, unfortunately it also means that it is very likely there are more scammers out there trying this tactic,” said Erica McIntosh, Crime Stoppers Program Coordinator. “The number one defense against the grandparent scam, and all scams, is education and awareness. That is why CK Crime Stoppers is continuing our efforts to reach everyone with the information they need to stay vigilant.”
The Grandparent Scam typically involves a caller pretending to be a grandchild, family member, or someone acting on the grandchild’s behalf, such as a police officer or lawyer. The scammer claims the grandchild has been involved in an emergency, often a car accident or legal trouble, and urgently needs money for bail, legal fees, or medical expenses while pressuring the victim to act quickly and keep the situation secret.
Fraudsters often rely on fear and urgency to override a person’s judgment. They may spoof phone numbers to make calls appear legitimate and may already have gathered basic personal information from social media or other online sources to make the story sound convincing.
CK Crime Stoppers encourages residents to slow down and verify any urgent request for money. If a call claims a loved one is in trouble, residents are advised to hang up and contact the family member directly using a trusted phone number or confirm the situation with another relative.
McIntosh added that “We also want to remind people that we do not recommend they engage with spam callers and scammers, even if you know the call is fake. Doing so may only increase your chances of receiving more calls. It is best to hang up immediately and, if possible, block the caller.”
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or has information about fraudulent activity is encouraged to report it to police. Anonymous tips can be submitted to CK Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.ckcrimestoppers.ca.
