It appears as if a Kelowna senior will get some of her money back, after she was bilked out of nearly $80,000 by scammers.
Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey says the RCMP's federal Serious and Organized Crime section out of Surrey was able to intercept parcels containing $40,000 in cash destined for a Lower Mainland address.
The elaborate scam involved fraudsters claiming to be from the "fraud department" of the woman's financial institution. They claimed her accounts and credit cards had been compromised, and needed her help to catch the perpetrators.
Then, someone claiming to be a police officer, promised her money from the bank in return for her help.
“Under the direction of the suspects, the victim downloaded software applications to her computer, which authorities believe allowed remote access to the woman’s computer and in turn her online banking information,” says O’Donaghey.
Numerous withdrawals totalled $40,000, and $38,000 worth of Google Play gift cards were purchased.
However, the money being reimbursed into her account was via cash advances from her credit cards and other accounts.
The police investigation remains ongoing, as the victim continues efforts to seek compensation for her loss.
O'Donaghey says this should be a reminder for people to trust their instincts.
"It’s important for the general public to know that the RCMP would never ask someone to cooperate in a police investigation in this manner, nor would a victim be offered financial compensation,” says O’Donaghey.
“RCMP also encourage the public to consider verifying a police officer’s identity, if they are dealing with them over a phone. It can be as simple as calling their detachment’s non-emergency line or their police dispatchers.”
— Wayne Moore, Castanet
