The RCMP is alerting Canadians to a surge in grandparent scams, a long-running form of fraud that has recently grown more sophisticated and financially damaging. Although seniors are the primary targets, police say people of all ages have been affected.
Grandparent scams typically involve a caller pretending to be an authority figure—such as a police officer, lawyer, or embassy official—claiming that a family member is in urgent distress. The scammer pressures the victim to provide money immediately, often insisting that the situation is confidential or time-sensitive. In some cases, couriers or ride-share drivers are sent directly to a victim’s home to collect cash, making the fraud appear more credible. One recent incident resulted in a loss of more than $37,000 before the victim realized it was fake.
The RCMP stresses that these scams exploit fear and urgency, pushing people to act before confirming the story. Police encourage the public to treat any unexpected request for money with caution, especially if a caller insists on secrecy or rapid payment.
Officials recommend contacting the family member directly using a known phone number, avoiding the sharing of personal or banking details, and never sending cash through couriers, mail, or third parties. Anyone who believes they have been targeted is urged to report the incident to their local RCMP detachment and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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