Nanaimo senior billed for $24,000 by grandson
By Contributor
The Grandson scam is active again in Nanaimo and has claimed multiple victims. In the past two weeks numerous complaints have been lodged with the Nanaimo RCMP.
One senior reported losing almost $7000, another $3500 and just today another lost $24,000 .
There is a new twist to the fraud. The calls are originating from Peru and its not the grandson calling but his lawyer.
The lawyer reports his client is in jail and has been charged with criminal negligence due to car crash. He is in jail and will not be released unless he pays bail fees, car replacement and lawyer fees.
The lawyer provides a ten digit code to a local wire transfer kiosk. In the latest fraud, the victim was directed to Canada Post offices situated in Shoppers Drug Mart stores, located at the Woodgrove Center, Country Club Mall, Beban Plaza and the University Mall.
It is imperative family members share this information with their parents, grandparents and elderly neighbors so they do not fall prey. It is imperative to tell them it is highly unlikely their real grandson would ever ask for such large sums of money.” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP..Also, make sure they do not get pressured into sending money and make sure they share their conversations with friends and family.
Most seniors homes and seniors outreach programs in the Nanaimo area have been alerted to the scam. The following link to a re-enactment provides and overview on this scam. If you have any questions or wish to find out more info please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-755-3257.
See YouTube video: http://youtu.be/juIkyDt5YLQ
