A B.C. senior was scammed out of thousands of dollars recently after falling for a fake investment scheme, Mounties say.
Police in Vernon say the victim is in their 80s and was called by someone purporting to have an investment opportunity. Mounties said the suspect actually met up with the victim and eventually accompanied them to their bank where they withdrew “several thousands of dollars.”
The victim gave the money over to the fraudster, but a family member noticed the large transaction and contacted police to prevent additional loss.
“This type of fraud is not new, but the fact that someone would go to this extent, to show up at an elderly person’s doorstep, is incredibly concerning,” said Const. Chris Terleski in a news release Wednesday.
“Unfortunately, many frauds and scams are targeted at senior citizens who may be more vulnerable as they may be lonely, willing to listen, and more trusting than younger people.”
Mounties are urging the public to talk to senior family members about common scams. In recent weeks, several reports from B.C. RCMP have warned about a so-called “bail scam,” where a fraudster will pose as a grandchild or a lawyer representing their grandchild.
In the scheme, the caller will say the grandchild has been arrested and requires bail money. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been lost since the beginning of the year through that scam alone.
“By helping them to recognize the warning signs, they are more likely to reach out for more information and in a better position to protect themselves from becoming a victim,” Terleski said.
Some tips for seniors include not engaging with anyone who calls or comes to the door with something to sell or looking for donations. Credit card, banking and other personal information should never be given over the phone, Mounties said. As well, government officials will never ask for payment over the phone.
Those who are unsure about an investment opportunity or another request for money should talk to a trusted family member about it.
Anyone who has been a victim of fraud, even if they haven’t lost any money, should contact their local police.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 100 points in late-morning trading, helped by strength in base metal and utility stocks, while U.S. stock markets were mixed.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 103.40 points at 24,542.48.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 192.31 points at 42,932.73. The S&P 500 index was up 7.14 points at 5,822.40, while the Nasdaq composite was down 9.03 points at 18,306.56.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.61 cents US compared with 72.44 cents US on Tuesday.
The November crude oil contract was down 71 cents at US$69.87 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was down eight cents at US$2.42 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$7.20 at US$2,686.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.35 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2024.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 200 points in late-morning trading, while U.S. stock markets were also headed higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 205.86 points at 24,508.12.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 336.62 points at 42,790.74. The S&P 500 index was up 34.19 points at 5,814.24, while the Nasdaq composite was up 60.27 points at 18.342.32.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.61 cents US compared with 72.71 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was down 15 cents at US$75.70 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was down two cents at US$2.65 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$29.60 at US$2,668.90 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.47 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 11, 2024.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was little changed in late-morning trading as the financial sector fell, but energy and base metal stocks moved higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 0.05 of a point at 24,224.95.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 94.31 points at 42,417.69. The S&P 500 index was down 10.91 points at 5,781.13, while the Nasdaq composite was down 29.59 points at 18,262.03.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.71 cents US compared with 73.05 cents US on Wednesday.
The November crude oil contract was up US$1.69 at US$74.93 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was up a penny at US$2.67 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$14.70 at US$2,640.70 an ounce and the December copper contract was up two cents at US$4.42 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 10, 2024.
