Fraud investigators & seniors’ advocacy groups join forces to combat Grandparent Scams

(MEDIA RELEASE) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and the Older Adult Centres' Association of Ontario are urging Ontarians to talk to their loved ones following a recent spike in the number of "Grandparent Scam" incidents across West Region this year and last. In 2022, the OPP responded to 348 incidents involving emergency scams across Ontario, with many of those complaints originating in West Region detachments such as Lambton, Essex and Oxford counties. That represents a 222% increase compared to 2021, in which police investigated 108 emergency scam occurrences. According to the Canadian AntiFraud Centre, thieves used the emergency scam to defraud Ontarians of over $5.4 million in 2022. The typical emergency scam works like this: the victim will receive a frantic phone call from someone claiming to be a grandchild or loved one. The caller will say that the person's loved one was involved in an emergency, such as a collision, an arrest, legal peril or illness or injury. The scammer demands the senior provide immediate payment for supposed bail, legal fees, fines or other amounts "owed" to prevent the family member from going to jail or to get them released from custody. Fraudsters then isolate victims by telling them there is a court-imposed gag order which forbids them from discussing the matter. Scammers tell victims to withdraw cash from their financial institution and hand it over to a courier sent to the victim's home or have the victim send the money via courier services.

To avoid becoming a victim, police advise you to first check with another family member or trusted friend to verify the information BEFORE sending money or providing credit card information by phone or e-mail. It is vitally important that the incident be reported every time it occurs, to allow police to investigate and prevent others from becoming victims. If you have any information that can help investigators, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at wwwhelpsolvecrime com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –

Your energy is high this week You will exude confidence in your love life If you are single go out and make yourself seen If you're in a relationship you will have the courage to take things to the next level. Make sure to share this confidence at work too.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) –

You will be doing a lot of talking this week. Communication will come very easy for you. Go to work and show off this ability to further your career options. Sit down and spend some time with loved ones having deep meaningful conversation This type of communication is long overdue for you

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) –

You must reevaluate your priorities You are being guided and the signs are everywhere You will see them clearly at the beginning of the week Mid week you will start to pursue all your options in your love and career By the end of the week, you will feel like you have finally accomplished some long-term goals.

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water)

– This will be a selfish week for you You need to balance your wants and needs Be realistic in your choices You want so much more in your life, but you are forgetting your choices affect all those around you. By the weekend you will find your focus finally.

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –

You are in high demand. You will have offers coming to you from everywhere this week You will have a love that's worth waiting for and a career that has endless possibilities This is a great shift in energy, so do not miss this opportunity

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – All the hyped up energy of the last couple weeks is about to die down You are managing a lot of different issues in love, career and health This week you will step away from the intensity of your love life and start to focus on your health and happiness You will be doing some much needed exercise and doctor visits.

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air)

- You are open wide to meet new and exciting people this week You have told the Universe that you are ready, so bring it on. You will find interesting and mysterious new connections. You will pick and choose by the weekend which ones will stay and which one will have to go

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – You are looking for some good advice Your family and friends are great to go to, but the best advice you will receive is from a complete stranger Be open minded to all the things that you are told Your career is about to offer you a new opportunity You will have to decide if this benefits you or just others

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21 (Fire) – You have been very argumentative lately This week you decide to stop talking and to start listening instead You feel calm in your choices and relaxed by the weekend. People may try to rub you the wrong way at home and work, you just need to step away from the drama and let things go

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – New love interests come into play this week. You may not be interested and decide to bypass these people Your love life gets exciting either way You have a strong desire to keep your head down and work hard This will be boring and exhausting, so plan some fun activities for the weekend.

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – This week you will have the energy to attract all the right people Love interests will be coming at you from everywhere Your inner self feels light and attractive. If you can use this energy in your career, then you will be very successful in all endeavors.

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – You will begin feeling very pleased with yourself and all decisions you are making lately. You want to show people what you are capable of This is possible to do if you are willing to put yourself out there Be brave, show them all what you're made of

Tina Graziano was born an energy reader. She uses her gifts to heal and guide others as a life coach. If you need support and insight in life, contact Tina for an energy reading directly online at https://www.facebook.com/ Tina.Graziano.Energy.Reader /?ref=page_internal