Media Release - Police Warning Public about Dangers of Confidence Scams Targeting the Elderly

Police Warning Public about Dangers of Confidence Scams Targeting the Elderly

The Prince Albert Police Service is warning the public about confidence scams targeting elderly residents in our community.

The police service is issuing the warning following a report this week of a fraud involving an elderly resident in Prince Albert. In this case, an unknown male phoned the unsuspecting victim and initiated a phone conversation with her. Over the course of several phone calls, the male – known only as Peter – was able to pressure the elderly woman into sending him $1,000 on the promise of a return payment of $1 million.

The woman then proceeded to send a blank Canada Post money order to a post office box in the United States.

The Prince Albert Police Service would like to caution the public against these types of confidence scams. The victim in this case is an elderly woman, and the police service is concerned that other elderly residents may be targeted in similar scams.

The public is reminded to never send money to an unknown person or location without first confirming the validity of the transaction and the details of the recipient. This is especially true in instances where there is the promise of receiving a large sum of money once an initial payment is made.

For more information about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from confidence scams, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online, or call 1-888-495-8501.

If you suspect you or a loved one has been the victim of a fraud, please contact the Prince Albert Police Service at 306-953-4222, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.