Police look to identify senior scam suspect

We’re asking the public for their help in identifying an unknown man who is believed to be responsible for defrauding a local senior out of approximately $12,000 earlier this year.

On Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the victim, a woman in her 80s, received a phone call from a man who claimed to be from a local bank, saying they were investigating an employee and needed the woman’s help.

Over the course of two days, the suspect convinced the victim to purchase two $1,000 gift cards from grocery stores and provide the security codes to the suspect, as well as withdraw a total of $10,000 in cash from her bank.

The suspect then arranged to pick up the money at the victim’s residence.

Once the victim became suspicious of the requests, she contacted police.

After exhausting all investigative avenues to identify and locate the suspect, police are turning to the public for their help.

The suspect is described as approximately 6’ tall, with a medium build and a dark complexion.

 The Calgary Police Service reminds all citizens that:

• 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.

Anyone with information about 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

CA25043537/3972