The OPP is warning the public about a scam that is targeting people across the country.
The OPP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre issued a warning about the "emergency scam" Wednesday. Scam artists target victims by phone and pose as family members or friends. The scammers claim they need immediate cash for medical purposes or to post bail.
Police say the scam has recently entered cyberspace. The Internet criminal hijacks email contact lists to increase the likelihood that their fraudulent pitch will be trusted.
The CAFC reports that this scam has grown by about 157 per cent since 2008.
Police are reminding people to confirm the information they receive before sending money to a person claiming to be a friend or family member.
If fraud is suspected, police urge the public to contact CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
