Meet Mabel, a spirited grandmother from Ontario who recently thwarted two major scam attempts with her quick wit and intuition. Her experiences offer valuable lessons on avoiding predatory tactics and highlight the growing sophistication of today’s scammers. Mabel’s story begins with a heart-pounding phone call claiming her grandson was in trouble and needed $8,000 for bail. Sensing something amiss, she questioned the caller and avoided a hefty financial loss. This wasn’t her first encounter with scams; previously, she faced a fake police officer demanding $7,500 for her grandson’s release, even sending a taxi to take her to the bank. Each time, Mabel’s sharp instincts saved her from falling victim.

Her strategy in dealing with scammers is refreshingly direct: asking probing questions and demanding clear answers. This approach rattled the fraudsters enough to make them hang up. Despite dodging financial loss, the emotional toll was profound, highlighting the often-overlooked stress caused by such scams.

Detective Sean Harding, who investigates financial crimes, warns that seniors like Mabel are frequent targets for repeat scams. His advice is straightforward: hang up on suspicious calls and verify information through trusted sources. He also recommends the “Ten and Two rule” — taking time to think it over and consulting with two trusted individuals before taking action.

Mabel’s resilience serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and questioning inconsistencies in today’s scam-filled landscape. Her courage and quick thinking are not just admirable but serve as an inspiration for safeguarding oneself against fraud.