Police are warning area residents to be wary of a scam that has victimized a number of residents in the region. Potential victims receive phone calls at home from someone claiming to be a family member in distress, who then asks for money.
In the latest incident, a 72-year-old Goderich woman was scammed for $5,000. She received a call from a female who falsely claimed to be the woman’s daughter. The victim stated that the woman sounded a bit like her daughter. The caller stated she was in Montreal with a friend, had been in a car accident and needed money.
At that point, police report a man came on the phone, saying he was a lawyer in Montreal. He advised the victim to send $5,000 by Western Union to repair the cars and that he would look after the case. The man said he would call back, and the victim made arrangements for the transfer. The man later called back and the victim provided him with the 10-digit Western Union transfer code.
The caller got the victim’s money. This was a scam, police say. The “lawyer’s” name used was a valid name in Montreal and he was in court at the time of the scam.
Police say the callers use pressure tactics and urgency to cause the victims to make hasty decisions. Officers added this is a “popular” scam this year, and they urge the public to be prepared. If you think a family member is in distress, ask some personal questions to ensure the caller’s identity.