The RNC is warning the public of a recent increase in so-called grandparent phone scams.

Police say calls, emails and texts purporting to be a family member in trouble have become a regular occurrence right across the province.

The Constabulary says there has been an increase in fraud scams across the Atlantic region, including here in Newfoundland and Labrador. At least one man is facing charges in this province, which police believe is linked to a cross-country crime network.

The scam involves someone pretending to be a person known to the victim. They often claim that they’ve been arrested, or have been in an accident and urgently need money.

Information can often be gleaned from social media, that help make the fraudster sound more convincing.

The calls could also claim to be from a police officer looking for personal information. If you receive a calls claiming to be a family member who has been arrested, is in hospital or in an emergency situation, and they need an immediate money transfer, hang up the phone and contact the RNC, Crime Stoppers, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.