Police want to warn the public of an ongoing scam that has duped three people in Saanich over the past two days, resulting in over $20,000 being lost to fraudsters.
The scam has been dubbed the grandparent scam because it is usually targeted toward an older person.
Typically, the victim will receive a call from a fraudster claiming to be a family member in trouble.
The fraudster will ask for money to help them out of whatever fabricated situation they are in, and some are well practiced at deceiving their victims.
Police recommend anyone who receives a call like this to hang up immediately, find that family members contact information elsewhere and contact them directly, or call someone who can verify if what you’ve been told is true.
In the case of the three grandparent scams that occurred in Saanich over the past two days, police say that their suspect is described as a Caucasian woman in her twenties, with long blonde hair.
The vehicle she was driving is reportedly a 2023 White Kia Sportage SUV, with a BC plate reading TR906N. The vehicle is believed to be associated with a rental company.
“We currently have Detectives from our Major Crime Unit working on these investigations,” stated Inspector Damian Kowalewich.
“If you have any information on the suspect or if you have been affected by this scam, please report to Saanich Police”
For more information on the grandparent scam and other ways fraudsters are tricking people into giving them money, refer to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website.
