Seniors around New Westminster are being warned of a new kind of scam.
Victims of this scam are being called by scammers who claim to be a police officer or lawyer saying that a relative of theirs needs bail money to get out of jail. The scammers emotionally manipulate the victim into gathering the bail money and handing it over when someone arrives at their home.
The New Westminster Police Department said in a news release that police departments and the courts will never call family members to ask for bail money.
“It is despicable that criminals are using family bonds to manipulate seniors out of thousands of dollars,” said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar. “If you receive one of these calls it’s important you do not send any money. Take your time, call people you trust, and find out what’s really going on.”
Anyone who has lost money due to this scam is asked to call the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411.
If you did not lose money but received a scam phone call you are encouraged to report it to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
“Please help the New Westminster Police Department by sharing this scam warning with family and friends and translating if you have the ability to do so,” says a news release.
