Police in New Brunswick are issuing warnings as they receive reports of the “grandparent scam” in the region.

The Saint John and Kennebecasis Regional police forces both posted warnings on Facebook this week.

Here is how the scam works: fraudsters usually call seniors posing as police officers, lawyers and clergy.

They tell the senior that their grandkids were either in a crash or in jail and are in need of cash.

“The fraudsters generally arrive from outside of the province and stay for a few days attempting a large number of these scams and collecting the monies before returning to other provinces,” the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force said in its post.

“We anticipate that this may continue in our area for a period of time while they are in town.”

Police said if you get a call like this, hang up and call the family member yourself with the number that you have for them.

If the caller claims to be an officer, call your local police to confirm if the call is legitimate.

Residents are also encouraged to reach out to seniors in their life and make them aware of this scam.