Need to identify scammer targeting seniors

We are asking for the public’s help to identify an individual believed to be targeting seniors for cash.

Last month, investigators charged two individuals in relation to a series of fraud incidents targeting elderly Calgarians, however, we continue to receive reports that seniors in our community are still falling victim to these frauds.

In the last few weeks, six victims have lost a combined total of over $50,000, and investigators are looking for a man believed to be responsible for these senior frauds. The unknown man is described as approximately 5’8” tall, between 40 to 45 years old, and having a slim build. It is believed the suspect is associated with a dark coloured Ford Escape SUV.

Photos of the suspect and vehicle are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.

Recent reports from elderly victims state that offenders call them, pretend to be a loved one of the elder and say they have been arrested. They then request cash for bail, and often times the amount is for thousands of dollars.

In some instances, offenders are impersonating law enforcement officers. It is important to note that Calgary Police Service officers, and other law enforcement officers, are not involved in collecting bail money from citizens over the phone.

We are asking the public to have a conversation with seniors in their life about these scams and remind them to never give money to individuals who contact them over the phone. If citizens suspect they could be speaking to a scammer who claims they have a loved one in custody, they can ask for a police report number, and then call the Calgary Police Service, or their local law enforcement agency, to have the case number confirmed by the police agency. It is important to look up your local law enforcement agency’s contact information yourself, and to not use any phone numbers provided by potential scammers.

Information on how seniors can protect themselves, along with a description of the grandparent scam, is available on the Calgary Police Service website.

Anyone with information about these scams or the identity of the suspect is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: P3 Tips

Case #22036625/22042391/4537