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New Evolution of Grandparent Scams Emerges in Southern Alberta
Authorities in southern Alberta have uncovered a sophisticated scheme aimed at deceiving senior citizens, leading to the arrest of two individuals involved in the fraudulent activities.
As technology progresses, it not only facilitates day-to-day life but also provides new avenues for criminal activities. According to Rob Miyashiro, the executive director of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens’ Organization, this is particularly concerning for older adults who may lack the technological skills to recognize and defend against such risks.
“It’s disheartening that seniors, who may not fully grasp the complexities of emerging technologies, are becoming prime targets for these increasingly elaborate scams,” Miyashiro explained.
Law enforcement officials report that two men face charges related to fraud exceeding $5,000. The scam involved elderly victims being manipulated into sending money through couriers, with the fraudsters employing artificial intelligence to imitate the voices of the victims’ grandchildren.
Kevin Talbot, sergeant in the economic crimes unit of the Lethbridge Police Service, elaborated on the common narrative employed in these scams: “Typically, the scams involve the grandparent being told that their grandchild is in a dire situation—whether that be involving a legal issue or a serious accident necessitating urgent funds for medical bills.”
Innovatively, perpetrators research their targets, using social media to extract audio or video clips that allow them to replicate the voices of the grandchildren, making the deception more convincing. “They might find a video or audio recording on platforms like Facebook or Instagram and utilize AI tools to create a voice that closely resembles the individual’s,” Talbot noted.
Take Precautions to Combat Scams
To combat this rise in scams, experts advise seniors and their families to adopt a cautious approach when faced with emergency-related calls. It is recommended that individuals verify the authenticity of such requests by consulting with other family members before taking any action.
“We encourage seniors to let unknown calls go to voicemail, listen to the message carefully, and discuss it with family members before making any commitments,” suggested Charlene Kocken, a senior systems navigator at Seniors Community Service Partnership.
In this specific case, Johan Wiebe Klassen, 31, from Stirling, and Jordon Ian Henderson, 31, from Claresholm, have been charged with possession of proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000 related to the scam. The two individuals have been released on an undertaking and are set to appear in court on October 23.
Source
globalnews.ca