On February 24, 2026, the Manitoba government and the Winnipeg Police Service launched a new anti-fraud campaign called “Just Hang Up” to help seniors in Neepawa, Manitoba, avoid phone scams. This initiative specifically targets “grandparent scams” where callers pretend to be a grandchild in legal or financial trouble to trick older adults into sending money.
The province is using a $134,000 grant from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to pay for the program. Justice Minister Matt Wiebe explained that the goal is to empower residents to stop these calls immediately and check with their families before taking any action.
Residents who want to learn more or need support can reach out to local groups like Home Assistance in Neepawa and District (HAND) Inc. or the Neepawa District Drop-In Centre. These organizations help connect seniors with information and resources to stay safe from high-pressure tactics used by fraudsters.
If someone receives a suspicious call, the campaign advises them to hang up right away and report the incident through a new hub at justhangup.ca. This advice comes shortly after public health officials also notified the community of a potential measles exposure site in Neepawa on February 18, 2026.
The Winnipeg Police Service is leading the project to reduce the stigma victims often feel and to build better fraud awareness. While the Spruce Plains RCMP handles local law enforcement, these provincial resources and reporting tools are available to all residents across the region.
