RCMP Media Release |

Though the “Emergency Scam” (or sometimes referred to as the “Grandparent Scam”) has been around for years, the Swan River RCMP warns the public to be on alert after noting a recent incident(s) in the Swan River Valley.


Please note that the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre specifically warns the public to be on alert after noting a marked increase in the number of complaints in the last two months. We in the Valley are not immune.

In the typical scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con-artist claiming to be one of his or her grandchildren (or son/daughter). The caller goes on to say that they are in some kind of trouble and need money immediately. Typically they claim being in a car accident, trouble returning from a foreign country or they need bail money.

Please note: These scam artists are very practiced, often pushy, convey urgency, and are adept at social engineering tactics.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/recognizeit_emergency.html