RCMP say if you should hang up if a stranger attempts to gain personal or financial information over the phone. (CFJC Today file photo)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

SENIORS SCAM

100 Mile House RCMP issue warning after 96-year-old grandmother scammed out of $6,000

Mar 25, 2021 | 11:07 AM

100 MILE HOUSE, B.C. — RCMP in 100 Mile House are warning of scam attempts, after a 96-year-old grandmother lost $6,000 in a recent fraud.

Police say on Tuesday (Mar. 23) they received a report of a fraud involving two suspects who had contacted an elderly woman in the Vancouver area.

They stated the woman’s grandson was in police custody from a motor vehicle collision where a child had been injured. One suspect disguised his voice and when the elderly woman said her grandson’s name, the suspect acted as him over the phone. The other man was pretending to be the grandson’s lawyer.

The grandmother eventually contacted the complainant who lives in 100 Mile House, and was put in contact with her son and his lawyer.

“Our complainant was told that they needed more bail money now as the child involved in the accident had now passed away from his injuries,” states the release. “The victim ended up sending $6,000 through a banking transfer to a bank account in another province.”

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After transferring the money, the victim contacted her family and discovered her grandson had never been in a car crash and had not been in jail. The suspects continued to get more money, but stopped once the victim told them she had caught on to their scam.

RCMP say these situations are common. Given that the money is usually immediately sent around multiple international bank accounts, it’s difficult for police to conduct a successful investigation.

100 Mile House RCMP urge others who wind up in a similar circumstance to hang up and contact another family member, the person who is allegedly in trouble or another family friend that you trust. The public is advised to not send money, and contact police.

by Dylana Kneeshaw

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100 Mile House RCMP issue warning after 96-year-old grandmother scammed out of $6,000

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