A would-be-scammer, looking to collect $25,000 for “bail money” from a Delta resident, instead was met by police at the door and arrested.
Marie-Jeanne BELANGER, age 22, of Quebec, is facing one charge of committing fraud over $5,000. She was released from custody on Jan. 17, on a number of conditions.
A Delta resident received a series of phone calls from someone claiming to be with the RCMP on January 13, and was told she urgently needed to provide bail money for her grandson. Notably, the person on the line knew the name of her grandson. She was told to keep the conversation confidential.
“Unfortunately scammers will often pretend to be with police or government agencies, in order to gain the trust of the victim,” explains Inspector Brian Hill, in charge of frontline patrol at Delta Police. “Phone calls from these scammers may even appear to be coming from the agency or police department. However, we want the public to know it’s very easy for phone numbers to be faked or spoofed.”
In this case the victim handed over $10,000 on January 13, to a person who collected the cash directly from her, at her home. On the 14th, the scammers called back, saying the victim’s grandson needed additional money for probation, another $25,000.
“Fortunately she became suspicious, particularly when her supposed grandson was not able to answer questions,” says Inspector Hill. “She called Delta Police, and we immediately began an investigation. Thanks to her timely alert, our officers were in place when the suspect showed up at her door that evening.”
Police arrested the suspect without incident and are currently working with other police departments in the Metro Vancouver area to determine if this incident is linked to other similar complaints, some of which were recently publicized by media.
“I can also confirm that there are outstanding persons of interest in this matter, with whom the police would like to speak,” says Insp. Hill.
Police have not recovered the $10,000 that the victim initially handed over. No money was provided during the second instance.
The public is cautioned that Canadian police will not contact you in any manner to request funds for bail money, probation, etc. If you suspect the person on phone pressuring you to hand over money may not be who they claim, hang up immediately. Use the internet to find a general number for that agency, and call them directly, to determine if there is any legitimacy to what is claimed.
If you believe you might have been the victim of fraud, please reach out to your police of jurisdiction to report the matter. In Delta, please call 604-946-4411.
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The “Bail Money” scam
North Vancouver RCMP also alreted the community to the “Bail Money” scam that starts on the phone and ends with the fraudsters going to victims’ homes to collect cash.
The “bail money” scam goes like this:
1. The phone call: A fraudster calls you and pretends to be your grandchild/child/other relative, a police officer or a lawyer.
2. The emergency: The fraudster tells you that your relative has been arrested and is in jail.
3. The money: The fraudster tells you that thousands of dollars is needed for bail.
4. The added pressures: The fraudster tells you that this is the only allowed phone call from jail and that you cannot talk to anyone about it.
5. The pick-up: The fraudster gets your home address and arranges to pick up the money themselves or via courier.
“If you get a ‘bail money’ scam call, don’t share your personal information and don’t be afraid to say no. Hang up and call your local police,” said Cst. Kelly McIntyre of the North Vancouver RCMP. “If you find yourself in the middle of the ‘bail money’ scam – you have given out your address and someone is on their way to your home – call 911.”
For more information about scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre website.
If you have been a victim of this scam, please contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311.
