Suspect sought after Calgary senior scammed out of $12K

Police are looking for a suspect after a Calgary senior was scammed out of more than $10,000 earlier this year.

Calgary police say a woman in her 80s got a phone call on Jan. 27 from a man who claimed to work at a local bank.

It is alleged the man told the woman the bank was investigating an employee and they needed her help.

The suspect then convinced the woman to purchase two $1,000 gift cards from grocery stores and then asked her to share the security codes with him. It is further alleged he convinced the woman to withdraw $10,000 from her bank.

The suspect picked up the money from the victim’s home.

The woman eventually grew suspicious and called police.

Investigators are now asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect after “exhausting all investigative avenues.”

Police have released two photos of the suspect (above) and describe him as 6’0″ tall with a medium build and a dark complexion.

Anyone with additional information is being asked to call police at 403-266-1234, or submit tips anonymously to CrimeStoppers.

Tips to avoid scams

Calgary police are out with the following tips to help residents avoid scammers:

• If it has to be now, it has to be no. Using fear or high-pressure tactics is usually a red flag.
• Never send money or give out personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or Social Insurance Numbers to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.
• Asking for payment via gift cards is typically a red flag.
• Demanding instant payment via e-transfer is also a red flag. E-transfers are instantaneous, and if the recipient isn’t local, it can be difficult to retrieve lost funds.
• Always speak to family, friends, caregivers and other trusted individuals to verify the legitimacy of the claims being made before acting.
• More information about how seniors can protect themselves, along with a description of the grandparent scam, is available on the Calgary Police Service website.