Multiple Niagara seniors defrauded $63K over 3 days: police

Niagara police are investigating after at least eight seniors were defrauded of more than $63,000 within the past three days.

Investigators believe a team of scammers are active in the west Niagara region, targeting vulnerable seniors.

Officers say the fraudsters begin the scam by calling the victims and convincing them that a loved one — usually a grandchild — is in legal trouble and that only money will solve the issue.

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The victims are then asked to visit their local bank and withdraw a large amount of money. A courier then meets the victim — often at the victim’s home — to collect the money.

Niagara police are reminding people to never confirm any personal information over the phone, always verify who is calling, don’t feel pressured, ask a trusted family member and when in doubt call 911.

Anyone with information about suspects involved in the grandparent scam are asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009076.