A woman suspected of being involved in “grandparent fraud” and trying to extort money from six senior citizens is being sought in the Lachute region of the Laurentians.
These elderly people were allegedly called by their alleged grandson asking them for almost $4,200. These were actually impostors who imitated the real voice of their loved ones, the Sûreté du Québec said on Tuesday.
A dark-skinned, slim woman who drove to the victims' homes in a small gray vehicle to collect the money is suspected of being involved in the scam.
The police are therefore asking citizens in the region to keep their eyes open and to come forward if they think they have encountered her.
Merchants also need to be vigilant when high-value purchases are made in their stores that could be linked to fraud of this type.
The SQ reminded people to always take a step back when a so-called family member calls in desperate need of money.
“Verify the story presented to you and the identity of the person you are communicating with by calling parents, another family member or friends,” recommended provincial police, saying not to provide their number via credit card or prepaid card.