File: 2022-1941 – Police are warning the public about a well-known scam that has resurfaced, which nearly cost a local senior $12,000.
On April 21, 2022 an elderly man received a phone call from a person claiming to be from a local police department. The caller told the elderly man that a family member was in custody and in need of bail money. He withdrew $12,000 from his bank account but quickly grew concerned. Prior to calling the suspect back to arrange transfer of funds, the senior contacted Port Moody Police Department who confirmed this was indeed a scam.
A frontline police officer was assigned to the investigation and escorted the elderly man to his local bank to deposit the funds back into his account.
“Thankfully this elderly man had the wherewithal to contact police prior to handing over this cash to the would-be fraudster, however, often times these incidents do not end on a positive note” states Constable Sam Zacharias. “Police will not call family members asking for bail money and should you encounter a situation like this, please contact your local police.”
Constable Sam Zacharias #122
Community & Media Relations Officer
Port Moody Police Department
604-461-3456 x6122 | sam.zacharias@portmoodypolice.com