Didsbury RCMP investigate grandparent scam
Didsbury RCMP are investigating after a Didsbury senior was defrauded out of thousands of dollars. On June 13, 2024, Didsbury RCMP received a report that a local senior received a call from a male stating that he was her grandson. The male stated that he was in jail and needed bail money. A different male showed up to the seniors home and the money was physically given to them. While RCMP continue their investigation, they have prepared a composite sketch of the male they went to the seniors door and are asking the public for assistance in both identifying the male and educating local seniors about this trending crime.
Didsbury RCMP wants to remind the public:
- Bail is always paid in person at a courthouse or correctional centre;
- Never send money to anyone you don’t know;
- If a person claims to be a police officer or judge, call that police service or court house directly to confirm the situation – police and courts will never ask for any form of payment;
- Never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone you don’t know—the police or courts will not ask for personal information over the phone.
“it is essential that we speak to our seniors about this trending crime as it is easily preventable with education, “ says Cpl. Shane O’Neil of the Didsbury RCMP. “Sit down with your loved ones have a conversation and consider printing out these tips and leaving them near the phone.”
If anyone has any information about this crime or those responsible, please contact the Didsbury RCMP Detachment at 403-335-3381. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
Cpl. Troy Savinkoff
Alberta RCMP
