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Police warn about grandson scam

Sunshine Coast RCMP have issued a warning about a popular scam making the rounds on the Coast. RCMP say between Jan.

Sunshine Coast RCMP have issued a warning about a popular scam making the rounds on the Coast.

RCMP say between Jan. 16 and 17, a local resident fell victim to the popular "grandson" scam after he believed an unknown male on the phone was his grandson. The false grandson told the victim he was in jail in Mexico and needed money wired to him immediately.

This is a very popular scam. The scammer uses information gleaned from the victim and tells a plausible story of how he or she has gotten into trouble, usually in a foreign country, and needs cash wired via Western Union to their "lawyer" to pay to get them out of jail. The scam can include several people who pretend to be the grandchild's lawyer or other "legal representatives."

Police caution anyone receiving such calls to make an effort to contact their loved one directly if they receive such a call. Please visit www.phonebusters.com or www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca to learn more about scams and how to protect yourself from them.

- Submitted by SC RCMP