Police are warning the public to be on alert after a West Vancouver senior was almost defrauded of $16,000 in a scam known as the “Grandparent Scam.”
On July 19, the 80-year-old victim received a phone call from a man who claimed to be ‘Officer Baker’ from North Vancouver RCMP. The fraudster claimed that he had arrested his grandson and needed bail money to release his grandson from police custody.
The fraudster then handed the phone over to another man who claimed to be the grandson. The fraudsters were able to convince the victim to withdraw $16,000. The victim then received another phone call stating that someone would attend his residence to collect the money.
The suspect showed up at the victim’s residence. When the man failed to provide any police identification, the couple became suspicious and refused to give money to the individual.
The man then stated he would have ‘Officer Baker’ attend the residence to provide identification to them. West Vancouver Police were in the area for an unrelated call and were flagged down by the victim and his wife who were still with the fraudster.
The fraudster, a 26-year-old man from Richmond, was arrested, and police are requesting the male be charged with Fraud over $5000. “Seniors are often targeted by scammers who do their best to confuse the victim,” says Cst. Nicole Braithwaite. “These fraudsters are very convincing and prey on the vulnerability of elderly individuals. If this happens to you, hang up the phone and call your relative immediately. Police will never call you asking for bail money.”
These types of frauds are extremely upsetting, and some people are too embarrassed to report it, but please report it. These reports might lead to other arrests.”
This file is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the West Vancouver Police at 604-925-7300 (File 22-8183). If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit solvecrime.ca.
