With Fraud Prevention Month only a few days away (March), Saanich Police are
warning the public of a “Grandparent scam” that has occurred three times in the last
two days. In total, over $20,000.00 has been lost.
The “Grandparent scam” involves a caller or person who targets an older person and
claims to be a relative in trouble; they then ask for money to help them with the issue. If
you receive a call like this, do not send or give anyone money. Call your grandchild or
another family member to verify the claims or requests.
The suspect in these cases is described as a Caucasian female in her twenties, with
long blonde hair. The vehicle involved is described as a 2023 White Kia Sportage SUV,
BC Plate: TR906N, associated with a rental company.
“We currently have Detectives from our Major Crime Unit working on these
investigations. If you have any information on the suspect or if you have been affected
by this scam, please report to Saanich Police,” stated Inspector Kowalewich.
For more information on the “Grandparent scam” and variations of that, please see the
definition from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/emergency-urgence-eng.htm
Inspector Damian Kowalewich