THUNDER BAY — A senior realized too late that the person who phoned to say he urgently needed money was a scammer rather than a lawyer representing a family member.
Thunder Bay Police released details of the incident Tuesday as a caution for vulnerable individuals who might find themselves being similarly targeted.
According to police, an elderly city resident took a call this month from someone claiming to be a lawyer for their grandson who had been involved in a car accident and needed money for bail.
The recipient of the call heard a voice in the background which sounded like the grandson.
After electronically transferring $3,000 to a provided email address, the victim was asked to purchase gift cards to cover the remaining amount required for bail.
It was only at that point that the individual grew suspicious.
The TBPS economic crime unit is urging family members and friends to speak to loved ones who may be susceptible to this type of scam.
Police say the best way to avoid being victimized is to hang up the phone, then try to reach the family member who's alleged to be in trouble.
They warn, though, that a common tactic is for scammers to dissuade their victims from doing this by claiming the money is needed immediately.
More information about various recent frauds and scams is available on the website of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
