Montreal police (SPVM) are warning against a fraud scheme targeting seniors following the arrest of eight individuals between the ages of 19 and 21 on June 16.
In a press release the SPVM says the arrests were made following a weeks-long investigation.
Searches were carried at two residences in Bois-des-Fillions and Terrebonne, as well as eight vehicles. Investigators seized numerous cell phones, bank cards, transaction records and uniforms as well as an air pistol.
Investigators analyzed 110 cases of fraud and observed a similar scheme being used each time.
Police said one person would pose as an employee of a financial institution and would make contact with a senior over the phone using an app that makes the name of the institution show up on call display.
The victim was then told of a fraudulent transaction on their bank card and the urgent need to correct the situation.
According to police, the fake employee would then insist the victim to divulge their personal identification number. The victim was then instructed to put their bank card in an envelop for a postman to pick it up so it could be returned to the financial institution.
A uniformed accomplice would then head to the victim’s residence to retrieve the bank card. Originally sourced by MSN.com
