(St. John’s, NL), March 12, 2025 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) are advising the community of the return of the grandparent scam to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Today, the RNC received a report of a senior citizen receiving a phone call from someone saying they are a family member in need of help, followed by direction coming from a supposed official to immediately provide a payment in order to resolve the issue. These high-pressure tactics are a common technique of fraudsters.

The RNC investigated multiple reports of this scam, referred to as a grandparent scam, in recent years resulting in the arrest of a male from Ontario. The RNC determined that this operation is that of a criminal network relying on a sophisticated scheme to extract money from unsuspecting members of our community, particularly senior citizens.

The RNC is advising our communities that should you receive a call of this nature; remember that no law enforcement agency or public official would demand money over a phone call as part of any judicial or investigation process. If you receive such a phone call, end the call and contact your loved one directly.

The RNC requests that anyone with information connected to this scam contact the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can now provide information anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers Website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app #SayItHere

 

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Cst. James Cadigan  #775
Public Communications Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
(709) 729-8658