If you get a call from an injured relative in a foreign country, think twice before sending money, Chilliwack RCMP say.
Police have noticed a sudden increase in a common fraud that preys on an elderly person’s desire to help.
Here’s how it works: They get a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandson, or a lawyer representing their grandchild. They state the grandson has been in a motor vehicle collision in Peru and requires money for legal expenses. The person is asked not to contact his or her family and is directed to wire money to Peru.
“Victims have lost thousands of dollars. I can only hope people become aware of the scam to prevent further crimes of this nature,” says Cst. Cynthia Kershaw. If you have been or are in the future, involved in a scam with a similar circumstances, you are asked to contact the Chilliwack RCMP at 604 792-4611, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
