Perth County OPP are warning the public of the rise of scams as a North Perth resident has fallen victim to a popular scam.
On January 24th the victim was contacted by an unknown person who told them their son was arrested and held for bail.
The suspect told the victim they needed to send $7000 to a designated bank account to have the victim’s son released.
It wasn’t until after the money was sent did the victim realized they had been scammed.
This type of emergency style scam plays on victims emotions and generates fear. OPP are reminding residents to keep on their guard and if they receive any call similar to this or being involved in a serious collision to contact immediate family to see if anyone is in need of assistance.
Residents are asked to never forward money to anyone without first speaking with family.
Police add to talk with elderly family members about these types of scams as they are often the target and can have their information shared or sold to other scammers and become a repeat victim.