Police in southern Alberta have identified a new scam targeting senior citizens, which involves fraudsters using artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of the victim’s grandchildren. This new form of scam is particularly troubling for older generations who may not be as technologically literate. The scam typically involves a phone call to the victim, claiming that the grandchild is in some kind of emergency situation, such as being in the hospital or involved in a car accident, and urgently needing money. The scammers use information gathered from social media to create a convincing narrative to trick the grandparents into sending money.
Two men have been arrested in connection with this scam, with charges of fraud over $5,000. The criminals hired couriers to pick up the cash from the elderly residents who had fallen victim to the scam. The individuals charged responded to a job ad on Kijiji, which was part of the criminal scheme. It is important for seniors and their families to be vigilant and verify any emergency calls before sending money. Organizations that work with seniors urge people to let emergency calls go to voicemail, have other family members listen to the message, and make decisions as a team to avoid falling prey to such scams.
The sergeant in charge of the economic crimes unit of the Lethbridge Police Service, Kevin Talbot, highlights the use of technology by scammers in perpetrating such crimes. The fraudsters use AI to mimic the voices of the victims and create a sense of urgency to deceive the elderly into sending money. The perpetrators often target grandparents, playing on their emotions and relationships to carry out the scam successfully. While technology has advanced and made things easier in many ways, it has also become a tool for criminals to exploit vulnerable individuals, such as senior citizens who may not be as familiar with these new technologies.
Rob Miyashiro, the executive director of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens’ Organization, expresses concern about the increasing prevalence of new scams that are targeting older generations. Seniors may be more susceptible to falling victim to these scams due to their lack of familiarity with technology. Miyashiro emphasizes the importance of educating seniors about potential scams and ensuring that they take steps to verify any urgent calls before taking any action. By raising awareness and providing resources to help seniors protect themselves, organizations can help prevent them from becoming victims of financial scams and fraud.
Two individuals, Johan Wiebe Klassen and Jordon Ian Henderson, have been charged with possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000 in connection with this fraudulent activity. Both men are from southern Alberta and have been released on an undertaking pending their court appearance. The arrests highlight the collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies to combat financial crimes targeting vulnerable populations, such as senior citizens. By holding perpetrators accountable and raising awareness about these scams, authorities aim to prevent further incidents and protect older adults from falling victim to such deceptive schemes.
As technology continues to evolve, criminals are finding new ways to exploit individuals, including seniors, through sophisticated scams. The use of artificial intelligence to mimic voices and manipulate emotions in fraudulent schemes presents a significant challenge for law enforcement and organizations working to protect vulnerable populations. By staying informed, educating seniors about potential scams, and encouraging them to verify any urgent requests for money, communities can work together to prevent financial exploitation and ensure the safety and well-being of older adults. Law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting those involved in these deceptive practices, holding them accountable and deterring future criminal activity targeting seniors and other vulnerable individuals.
