Nanaimo Couple Thwarts Grandson Scam Attempt, Highlights Fraud Risks

A couple from Nanaimo, British Columbia, successfully avoided falling victim to a sophisticated “grandson scam” that could have resulted in significant financial loss. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, when the couple received a late-night phone call that was both distressing and convincing.

The couple, who are in their sixties, were awakened around 02:00 by a caller who claimed to be their adult son. According to the Nanaimo Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the caller was crying and conveyed that he had been arrested. Following this emotional appeal, another individual, identifying himself as “Sgt. Thomas Scott,” took over the conversation, stating that their son had been involved in a serious incident where he allegedly struck a one-year-old child while driving and texting.

The caller informed the couple that they needed to pay a bail amount of $2,500 to secure their son’s release from the courthouse. Given the urgency of the situation and the use of their son’s name, the couple did not dismiss the call outright.

Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien pointed out that the fraudster demonstrated a surprising level of knowledge about the court system, which added to the couple’s concern. “The couple was understandably shaken,” O’Brien stated. “It’s easy to see how someone could fall for this type of scam.”

As the conversation progressed, the couple became increasingly suspicious when the caller insisted that the bail payment needed to be sent via e-transfer. Recognizing the potential for fraud, they hung up and promptly contacted the Nanaimo RCMP to report the incident.

In a concerned response, the couple decided to drive to their son’s residence to confirm his well-being. Upon arriving, they were relieved to find him safe at home. This fortunate outcome highlights the effectiveness of their quick thinking and the importance of remaining vigilant against such scams.

The Nanaimo RCMP emphasized that incidents like this serve as a reminder of how convincing fraudsters can be, often possessing accurate information about their targets. To mitigate the risk of falling victim to scams, police recommend establishing a “family password” that can be used to verify identity during unexpected phone calls.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also provides additional resources and tips for individuals looking to protect themselves from fraud. Just weeks prior to this incident, another Nanaimo resident lost $2,000 in a similar grandparent scam, underscoring the ongoing prevalence of such criminal activities in the area.

As scams continue to evolve, both law enforcement and community members are urged to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding their personal information and finances.