The Essex County Detachment of the OPP is warning residents after a grandparent scam resulted in a significant financial loss for a local resident.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, the Essex County OPP responded to a report of fraud at a Municipality of Lakeshore address.

The investigation determined that the victim received several phone calls from an individual claiming to be a lawyer and informed the victim that her grandson had been involved in a head-on motor vehicle collision and that her grandson had been arrested and required $6,500.00 cash for bail.

Later that day, a male attended the victim’s residence and collected the cash before leaving the area.

After the suspect departed, the victim contacted her daughter, who confirmed that the situation was a scam and immediately contacted police.

Members of the Essex County OPP Crime Unit are continuing to investigate this incident, along with eleven (11) other reports of the Grandparent Scam across Essex County.

What is a Grandparent Scam?

Grandparent scams, also known as emergency scams, typically involve a suspect posing as a grandchild or other family member in urgent trouble, often claiming to have been arrested, in an accident, or stranded in another country. The scammer pressures the victim to send money immediately and often asks them to keep the matter secret from other family members.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Stop and verify before sending money. Contact the family member directly using a known phone number.
• Speak to other relatives or friends before acting on urgent requests for money.
• Be cautious of payment requests via e-transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash couriers.
• Never give out personal or financial information to unexpected callers.

To learn more about fraud and cybercrime prevention and how to safeguard yourself, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

FRAUD: Recognize. Reject. Report.