Image: AbbyPD Facebook / Police in Abbotsford say nine grandparent scams have been reported to the department between February 2023 and November 2023. Five of these cases resulted in a total of $24,575 in losses. Abbotsford police will conduct a free workshop to address fraud and scam prevention in December at the Clearbrook Library. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Grandparent scams

Grandparent scams in Abbotsford drain thousands of dollars from seniors in 2023: AbbyPD

Nov 15, 2023 | 1:05 PM

ABBOTSFORD — A nefarious but continue scheme targeting vulnerable grandparents in Abbotsford has resulted in scammers stealing over $24,000 just this year alone.

According to a news release from Abbotsford Police Department spokesperson Constable Art Stele, police say its civilian staff analysts have observed a trend involving scammers posing as lawyers targeting seniors between the ages of 72 and 92.

Deemed “Grandparent Scams,” police say the suspect(s) contact victims, posing as lawyers, suggesting their family member had been in an accident and required funds to pay for damages. In other cases, the suspect(s) posed as law enforcement, suggesting their family member was being held in jail pending payment for their bail.

Nine cases of grandparent scams have been reported to the AbbyPD between February of this year and November 2023. Five of these cases resulted in a total of $24,575 in losses.

“The AbbyPD is proud of its many civilian staff members who work tirelessly alongside members to keep our community safe. It was through their work analyzing data that a concerning trend was brought to light,” Cst. Stele said. “We are informing the public to create awareness of this specific type of scam, especially with the holiday season approaching.”

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Authorities urge grandparents and seniors to be particularly vigilant concerning suspicious calls in which persons pose as banking officials, lawyers, and law enforcement demanding funds with little to no viable background information.

“Here at AbbyPD, our Senior Safety Outreach Program offers a wide range of resources to promote the well-being and security of our cherished senior community,” Cst. Stele said.

The AbbyPD will host another information session on Friday, December 15 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. to address fraud and scam prevention, specifically for seniors. All sessions are free and will be held at the Clearbrook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way.