RCMP see spike in senior fraud scam

North Vancouver,
Alerte publique

2022-09-09 15:24 HAP

Dossier nº 2022

Under the Official Languages Act, this office provides services to the public in English only. You will find general information in both official languages at bc.rcmp.ca and www.rcmp.ca

Aux termes de la Loi sur les langues officielles, ce bureau n'offre des services au public qu'en anglais. Vous trouverez des renseignements généraux dans les deux langues officielles au cb.grc.ca et www.grc.ca.

North Vancouver RCMP are once more warning the public about a recurring scam that tricks seniors into thinking a loved ones has been arrested, and then convinces them to hand over thousands of dollars for legal fees.

It’s not uncommon for scammers to target the elderly by contacting them by mail, telephone, or online, says Constable Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP. What’s different and concerning is that fraudsters are now showing up at the victims’ doorsteps to collect cash. It’s brazen, and we’re concerned about peoples’ safety.

The most recent rash of scams began on September 8th, when a woman in her 80s received a call from a man who claimed to be Cpl. Jefferson from the North Vancouver RCMP. The suspect claimed that the woman’s grand daughter was arrested by police and needed $9000 to be released on bail. The fraudster then came to the victims’ home and picked up the money. In this incident, the suspect is described as a Caucasian woman between the ages of 20-30, 5’10 tall, long brown hair, slim build, wearing gold hoop earrings, a white top, tattoos on her left forearm, and having an accent.

Later that same day, a women in her 70s received a similar call telling her that her granddaughter was in jail, and needed $9000 for bail. Fortunately, that woman attended the North Vancouver detachment to pay the bail, where she was informed by staff she was being scammed.

We’re asking the community to help inform vulnerable friends and family members about these scams, and to help us protect them from being victimized, said Cst. Sahak.

Police are warning anyone who receives suspicious communications, and especially in this scam, a telephone call from someone claiming to be law enforcement asking for money, not to give money to a stranger, and to call local police.

How to protect yourself:

 

Diffusé par :

Gend. Mansoor Sahak

Agent des relations avec les médias
GRC de North Vancouver
147, 14e Rue Est, North Vancouver (C.-B.) V7L 2N4
Bureau : 604-985-1311
Cellulaire : 778-228-1619

Courriel : mansoor.sahak@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Site Web : nvan.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (en anglais seulement)

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