Cases of seniors and elderly being scammed appear to be on the rise in Durham (see below). The latest victim is an older woman.
Police continue to issue alerts advising residents to be aware and not fall victim to scammers.
Beware of scam calls from people pretending to be from your financial institution; man has been arrested in connection with a bank fraud scam that targeted an older woman earlier this year.
On Thursday, February 12, the victim received a phone call from a woman who falsely claimed to be an employee of a financial institution. The caller advised the victim that her banking cards had been compromised and needed to be collected. The victim was told that a representative would attend her residence to retrieve the cards and arrange replacements.
A short time later, a man attended the victim’s residence and obtained her bank cards and an iPhone. The victim was told he would return within an hour with replacement cards and her phone; however, he did not return.
Investigators determined that more than $3,000 was withdrawn from the victim’s account and fraudulent transactions were conducted using the victim’s bank cards.
Through investigation, officers identified and arrested the male suspect.
The 31-year old man from Brampton is being held for a bail hearing. Name and further details available at www.drps.ca.
Safety Tips
Durham Regional Police Service reminded residents never to provide personal information, banking cards, PIN numbers, or cash to anyone who contacts them by telephone claiming to represent a bank or financial institution. If you believe you have been targeted by a fraud, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police.
Banks will never send a courier or representative to your home to collect banking cards, PINs, or cash.
DRPS encourages residents to speak with family members and loved ones about fraud prevention and to remain vigilant against scams targeting seniors and vulnerable persons.
Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Durham Regional Police Service.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Central East Division’s PC Hristov at 1-888-579-1520 ext.1701.
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Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name the accused parties as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.