Okotoks RCMP are warning locals of an increase in scams targeting seniors.

The town, in a post to their Facebook page, is sharing information from the local RCMP detachment on recent cases of "grandparent scams."

Grandparent scams involve scammers posing as law enforcement in a phone call or via social media claiming a member of the elderly victim's family has been arrested and is in need of bail money.

"These criminals will provide a fake name and badge number to seem legitimate and tell the victim that they cannot contact their family member, so funds must be provided through them," reads the post.

The post also includes tips on how to identify scams including the fact that RCMP will never contact people for bail money and bail money can only be collected at authorized buildings.

This very topic is the theme of an upcoming session in town.

It's the first in the Age Friendly Speaker Series, which is being done in partnership with the Okotoks & District Seniors Club.

Community Wellness Team Lead for the Town of Okotoks, Sian Anderson, shares the focus.

"It's intended to focus on topics relevant to healthy ages and getting access to different resources and supports that are available... What better way to do that than to bring in the people who are offering those services to help share information on them?"

The Scam Awareness session will be presented by Okotoks RCMP, with the next session, Town Programs & Support Services, to be presented by the Town of Okotoks and the Family Resource Centre.

There are currently nine sessions in the series scheduled through to October 9 and will be held at the Seniors Club at #4 204 Community Way.

The Scam Awareness session is scheduled for Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.

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