(QUINTE WEST, ON) - At least three residents of the Quinte West area have been targeted by individuals posing as family member in a version of the emergency scam.

These types of incidents see fraudsters impersonate a victim’s loved one-often claiming to be in urgent trouble, such as being arrested or hospitalized-and pressure victims to send money immediately. They exploit emotions and urgency to bypass rational thinking.

In each of the cases in Quinte West, the caller claimed to be a grandchild who had been in a car accident and needed money or had landed in jail. In just one case, the recipient of the call withdrew a large amount of cash and left it in a bag for someone to pick it up.

The investigation into these incidents is ongoing.

Protect yourself against the emergency scam:

• Stay Calm & Verify : If you receive a distressing call or message, pause. Contact the person directly using a known number to confirm the situation
• Ask Questions : Scammers often avoid specifics. Ask detailed questions only your loved one would know. Consider having a secret family password
• Don’t Rush : Scammers create urgency to cloud your judgment. Take time to think and consult with someone you trust
• Never Send Money or Gift Cards : Especially if the request comes unexpectedly or with pressure. Legitimate emergencies rarely demand secrecy or fast cash
• Use Privacy Settings : Limit what you share online-scammers often gather personal info from social media