Cranbrook RCMP are issuing a public warning after a local senior was defrauded a large amount of money.
According to police, a fraudster called a local senior on their home phone and pretended to be a bank employee. The senior was convinced that her credit card had been compromised and that she needed to call the number on the back of her credit card to speak with the fraud department.
The victim hung-up the phone, picked it back up, heard a dial tone, and dialed the bank. However, the suspects never disconnected the line and it is believed they played a recording of a dial tone before answering and pretending to be a bank representative.
After a series of back and forth phone calls, the scammer convinced the senior to transfer large amounts of money to specific accounts or addresses overseas.
“These fraudsters are using scare tactics in order to gain the trust of their victims,” said Forgeron. “A representative from the bank is not going to tell you to keep their phone calls private. Please tell someone if you are being harassed and asked for large sums of money.”
Vancouver Police Department is currently investigating the same con that has stolen $3.1 million from seniors. However, approximately $2.5 million has been recovered to date, according to Cst. Katie Forgeron.
The investigation into these frauds is ongoing. Cranbrook RCMP believes there may be additional victims who have not reported the fraud and are asking them to call Cranbrook RCMP at 250-489-3471.
trevor.crawley@cranbrooktownsman.com
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