Nelson RCMP report phone scam making its way through region
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson RCMP are warning the public about a telephone fraud scam making its way in and around the region.
The scam has victimized at least two elderly local residents over the past two weeks totaling $4000.
The scam starts by receiving a telephone call from a person who claims to be a distant relative that is currently in jail urgently requiring money to be “wired” within the hour to his lawyer to get out of jail (usually for the amount of $2000).
A second person will join the conversation claiming to be the distant relative’s “lawyer”, at that point, the “lawyer” will provide his/her name and provide instructions as to how to send the money via an electronic money transfer and that you will be re-imbursed the money in days to follow once the relative is out of jail.
As part of the instructions, you are told to call a telephone number to advise them once you have sent the money.
Lastly, the “lawyer” will be insistent that you do not tell anyone(especially Police) about the incident, the request, and the sending of the money.
Nelson RCMP want to remind the public not to act on any request or to share any personal information with persons and or businesses who have not provided you with the sufficient documentation to satisfy their identity and credibility.
To report a fraud, contact your local Police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can be contacted toll free at 1-888-495-8501, e-mail at info@antifraudcentre.ca. To obtain further information about the latest common fraud scam types please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at https://www.anitfraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
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