Cranbrook RCMP is warning the public after a local senior was defrauded a large amount of money.

A fraudster called a local senior on their home phone and pretended to be an employee of a bank. The elderly person was convinced that their credit card had been compromised and that she needed to call the number on the back of her credit card to speak with the fraud department.

The victim hung-up the phone; picked it back up, heard a dial tone, and dialled the bank. However, the suspects never disconnected the line and it is believed they played a recording of a dial tone before answering and pretending to be a bank representative, reported Cranbrook RCMP.

After a series of back and forth phone calls the victim was convinced to transfer large amounts of money to specific accounts or addresses overseas.

Vancouver Police Department is currently investigating this same offence with over $3.1 million being taken from seniors. Approximately $2.5 million has thankfully been recovered to date.

“These fraudsters are using scare tactics in order to gain the trust of their victims. A representative from the bank is not going to tell you to keep their phone calls private. Please tell someone if you are being harassed and asked for large sums of money,” said Cst Katie Forgeron.

The investigation into these frauds is ongoing. Cranbrook RCMP believes there may be additional victims who have not reported the fraud and are asking them to call Cranbrook RCMP at 250-489-3471.

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