Two familiar scams gaining traction in Durham

Durham fraud investigators are warning the public about a recent increase in two common scams in Durham Region.

The first scam is known as distraction theft.

The suspect approaches an unsuspecting victim and tells them they dropped an item such as money or they ask for directions. While the person is distracted, a second suspect will approach and steal cards from their wallet, purse or pocket.

Prior to this, someone else has been watching the victim shop and either observed or video recorded them as they used their PIN number. As women often carry a purse they are commonly the primary target; seniors are most often targeted.

As a precaution, residents are encouraged to try to carry cash and debit/credit cards separately, keep wallet/purses closed and always be aware of surroundings while using a point of sale terminal and/or an ATM, and while approaching their vehicle.

The second scam is known as the grandparent or emergency scam.  A fraudster will contact a senior by phone and claim to be a grandchild who is in trouble. With great urgency, the victim will be instructed to send large amounts of cash via money transfer. The victim may receive additional calls requesting additional funds and is instructed not to tell anyone.

In a recent case, the victim was told by the “grandson” that he needed money that day as he had been charged for distracted driving.

The victim was advised to have the money by a set time and someone would then attend their home to pick up the cash. However, the victim’s financial institution intervened moments before any address information or cash was exchanged. Police were not called during this incident.

Police say the best way to protect oneself from this scam is to contact a family member to confirm the whereabouts of the loved one claiming to be in trouble.

Residents are reminded to never give out personal information, including banking, telephone number, and address and to not send money.

Anyone with information about these types of incidents is asked to call DRPS at 1-888-579-1520.