(St. John’s, NL), June 21, 2023 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) are advising the community of the return of the grandparent scam to Newfoundland and Labrador.

This week, the RNC received two reports of loss of money after elderly individuals received a phone call from someone saying they were a family member in need of help, and direction coming from a supposed official to provide a payment for pickup.

Earlier in 2023, over a four-day period, the RNC investigated multiple reports of this scam in the community, resulting in the arrest of a male from Ontario. The RNC had determined that this operation is that of a criminal network relying on sophisticated research and technology to extract money from unsuspecting members of our community, particularly senior citizens.

The RNC is advising our communities that should you receive a call of this nature; remember that no law enforcement agency or public official would demand money over a phone call as part of any judicial or investigational process. If you receive such a phone call, end the call and contact your loved one directly.

The RNC requests that anyone with information connected to this scam contact the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can now provide information anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers Website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app #SayItHere

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Cst. James. C. Cadigan  #775
Media Relations & Public Communication
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca