RCMP say a phone fraudster posed as the granddaughter of a Salmo resident Friday in an unsuccessful attempt to scam $2,500.
Cpl. Barry Graham says the caller pretended to have been involved in a drunk driving accident in Montreal and asked for the money to be transferred to a third party via Western Union.
It was for legal fees, the caller claimed, otherwise she would spend the weekend in jail. However, the resident quickly realized the call was bogus and no money was transferred.
The call came from the number 514-365-3558 — which has had similar scams associated with it dating back several years.
Graham says it’s unknown how the caller obtained information on the Salmo resident.
RCMP say if you receive such a call, hang up and dial *57 to activate a call trace, which will help police investigate.