Mississauga (September 11, 2019) – Peel Regional Police warn the public against a phone scam which is targeting Polish-speaking seniors in Mississauga. Between June 25 and September 9, at least nine incidences were reported to the police. The authorities recommend treating any request for money by an unknown person suspiciously.
The reported phone scammers are targeting Polish-speaking elderly in Mississauga. The Peel Regional Police state that the suspicious phone calls were received between 12 pm and 1 pm in the last two and a half months by Peel region residents. The police were informed about nine incidents where a woman called claiming to be a police officer while speaking Polish.
The female fraudster asked the seniors about the amount of money and jewelry in the house or to withdraw money from the bank and put it outside of their home. Subsequently, she demanded the potential victim not speak to anyone about the request. Finally, she threatened them that their phone lines have been tapped and announced that four armed persons in a vehicle are going to collect the items. Fortunately, most victims contacted the authorities immediately and avoided any losses as a result. However, these bogus phone calls made the people who received them feel very uncomfortable or unsafe.
The Peel police recommend treating any request for money suspiciously, always verify the details of the request independently, and avoid calling any phone number the unknown caller has provided. The police remind the public that, first, if someone calls claiming to be a police officer, they will not ask you for money or personal property over the phone. Second, any time someone calls about an emergency, it is important to remain calm and independently check with a friend, relative or police before taking any action. Third, the authorities ask people with elderly family members to make them aware of this type of scam.
Anyone with information, in relation to this investigation, is asked to contact investigators at 11 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau (905) 453–2121, ext. 1133. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
