Hamilton police are asking the public to be vigilant, as the service reports an increase in “grandparent” and “emergency” scam calls in the area.

The scam begins after the victim receives a call from a person posing as their grandchild or other family member who claims they have been arrested and need bail money or emergency financial help.

“Fraudsters” will ask the victim to keep the call private and not alert other family members about the fake situation. In some instances, the fraudster will even pass the phone to an accomplice pretending to be a lawyer or law enforcement official.

On Thursday, August 5, 2022, the Hamilton Police commenced investigations into four separate incidents of the defrauding of seniors in Hamilton. It is believed that the same suspect(s) are involved in these crimes due to the similarity in details.                                              

Police are reminding citizens to be cautious of suspicious phone calls. If you receive a call that one of your family members are in trouble and need bail money, please contact the police. Never provide personal information over the telephone, text or email. The police will never request payment by money, service business, iTunes/Google Pay, Credit gift cards or bitcoins.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into these crimes, you are asked to contact Crimes Against Seniors Unit, Detective Sergeant Michelle Wiley by calling 905-540-6375.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com