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,” said Constable Mansoor Sahak on Friday. “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 8, 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 granddaughter was arrested by police and needed $9,000 to be released on bail.
The fraudster then came to the victim’s home and picked up the money. In this incident, the suspect is described as a white woman between the ages of 20 and 30, 5’10 tall with long brown hair, and a slim build. She was wearing gold hoop earrings and a white top, and had tattoos on her left forearm. She had an accent.
Later that same day, a woman in her 70s received a similar call telling her that her granddaughter was in jail, and needed $9,000 for bail. Fortunately, that woman attended the North Vancouver RCMP detachment to pay the bail, where she was informed by staff she was being…
