Image: Google Maps / Mission RCMP reported Friday morning (Mar. 3) that an 86-year-old Mission man has been scammed out of thousands of dollars in the grandparent bail scam, which has been circulating throughout the Fraser Valley in which fraudsters phone vulnerable seniors and tell them their loved ones or family members need money to get bailed out of jail.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Mission senior scammed

Mission RCMP say 86-year-old Mission man lost thousands of dollars in grandparent bail scam

Mar 3, 2023 | 9:38 AM

MISSION — Mission RCMP reported Friday morning (Mar. 3) that an 86-year-old man from Mission has fallen prey to the grandparent scam currently circulating throughout the Fraser Valley.

According to Constable Harrison Mohr, media relations spokesperson for the Mission RCMP detachment, an 86-year-old male residing in Mission told police on Saturday, February 18 that he had been tricked into paying thousands of dollars to help his grandson get out of jail.

According to Constable Mohr, the victim received a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, saying that he had been arrested and needed bail money to get out of jail. The victim was then transferred over to a fake police officer, who sounded very professional and explained how the victim could pay the bail money.

“Although this type of scam often involves the victim sending a wire transfer or mailing money to an address, this case was different,” Constable Mohr said.

Two men claiming to be plainclothes police officers walked up to the victim’s residence shortly after the phone call, and collected the money in person. Shortly after paying the money, the victim realized that he had been scammed, and reported it to police.

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“This is a recurring scam that preys on some of the most kind-hearted people in our communities – our grandmothers and grandfathers,” said Constable Mohr. “These scammers are well-prepared and ultimately very convincing, and target vulnerable people whose first concern is about the welfare of their grandchild, not considering the possibility that they are being scammed. It’s important that we all spread the word about this scam, to help keep others safe. Speak with your parents, your grandparents, your friends and your neighbours. The more awareness there is about this scam, the fewer victims there will be.”

No one has been arrested in this case, although the investigation is ongoing.

If you or someone you know has been scammed, report it to your local police. Police say if you are unsure of whether the person you are speaking with on the phone is a real police officer, hang up and call your local police detachment.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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Mission RCMP say 86-year-old Mission man lost thousands of dollars in grandparent bail scam

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