VANCOUVER, BC: – Vancouver Police are renewing warnings to seniors and their loved ones after additional victims have reported being scammed out of ten of thousands of dollars in recent weeks
“The fraudsters continue to pull on the heart strings of seniors,” says Constable Jason Doucette. “Using high pressure tactics, the scammers convince the elderly person their loved one has been arrested and needs bail money to avoid going to jail.”
As in previous incidents, suspects coach seniors to retrieve large sums of cash from their bank. Arrangements are then made to have a fake courier pick up the cash in person from the victim, or they have the money sent by mail.
“Bank employees are often familiar with their elderly clients and we are also asking them to keep an eye out for unusual withdrawals,” adds Doucette. “Talking with seniors about popular scams is our best line of defence at this point.”
“Often the scammers will convince their victims not to talk to others by suggesting there is a gag order in place, or by telling them to use a code word when they’re handing over cash.”
Vancouver Police encourage anyone with information about this scam to make a report with their local police.
If it’s a crime in progress or if there is an immediate safety concern, please call 9-1-1. If the suspect has already left, please call the VPD’s non-emergency line at 604-717-3321.
