Bank Employees Save Senior From Scam

(TOWN OF ST.MARYS, ON) On Friday September 24, 2010, a Perth County OPP officer was dispatched to a bank in St.Marys where the bank manager was dealing with a potential victim of a scam.

Investigation revealed that an elderly female St.Marys resident had received a phone call from a male who identified himself as her grandson. The male said that he was attending university in a large Canadian city and that his gambling had gotten him into trouble and landed him in jail. In order from him to get out, as opposed to spending the weekend in jail, she needed to send $3000 ASAP to Madrid Spain. He told her not to tell anyone about this and he provided her details on how to send money to him via Western Union.

Fortunately the lady did tell the bank staff about her grandson as she was trying to withdraw the money from her account. The bank staff immediately recognized this as the “Grand Parent Scam” and called police.

The elderly female was not out any money but felt victimized and was extremely embarrassed that she fell for this.
Police urge anyone receiving similar or other questionable requests to contact their bank manager or someone they can trust with their financial affairs. Explain to them what occurred and seek their advice. If still unsure don’t hesitate to call your local police department.

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