The Comox Valley RCMP recently received a call from an elderly gentleman reporting that he had been defrauded of a large sum of money on a scam that has a new twist.
The man reported that he received a call from a female identifying herself as his granddaughter. She provided the granddaughter's correct name and requested money from him to aid in dealing with a criminal charge. She requested the money be sent through Western Union to a lawyer who was from out of province.
After sending the money, the gentleman called his relative, only to learn that the granddaughter is not out of province and not in trouble.
The public is warned to be vigilant and investigate these types of calls with family members before deciding to send money anywhere.
— Comox Valley RCMP