“Emergency”/ “Grandparent” Scam Warning
13 Jan 2026
(PEMBROKE, ON) The OPP is warming the public that a common and concerning scam has resurfaced in the area.
On January 7, 2026, a Pembroke senior was scammed out of $800 after receiving a phone call about a grandchild being in legal trouble. On January 9, 2026, a Petawawa senior was almost scammed out of $20,000 after receiving a phone call regarding a grandchild being in jail and needing money for bail. In that case the fraud was averted by the intervention of an acquaintance who recognized the call as fraudulent.
In these cases, the victim typically receives a frantic phone call or an emergency email from someone claiming to be a grandchild, son/daughter, friend or loved one. The scammer will explain they are involved in some sort of emergency which often involves legal trouble, a motor vehicle collision, a serious injury or trouble returning from a foreign country and that they need money right away.
With the emergency scam the scammer attempts to create a sense of urgency which may cause the victim to not verify the story. The scammer will often insist that the victim not tell anyone and to transfer the money that has been requested through a money transfer company or by bitcoin. In some circumstances the scammers have even sent couriers to the victim’s residence to pick up the funds. Also, many scammers want to trick you into providing your banking and personal information. In fact, the criminals will fraudulently use your personal information to steal your money.
If a scam artist contacts you or if you have been defrauded contact your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). You can file a report with the CAFC by calling 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST) or by using their online reporting tool at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
Anonymous tips can play an essential role in fraud prevention and enforcement. If you are aware of the operations of scam and fraud networks, you can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or ValleyTips.ca.
