Police are asking for public help in locating a male suspect who recently scammed a Didsbury senior out of thousands of dollars, officials said Wednesday.
“On June 13, Didsbury RCMP received a report that a local senior received a call from a male stating that he was her grandson,” RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said in a press release issued July 3.
“The male stated that he was in jail and needed bail money. A different male showed up to the senior's home and the money was physically given to them.”
Police have released a composite sketch of the male that went to the senior’s home and are asking the public for assistance in both identifying the male and educating local seniors about this trending crime.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Didsbury RCMP at 403-335-338, Crime Stoppers or online at P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app.
Didsbury RCMP have issued the following tips and other information aimed at preventing scams of this kind:
• Bail is always paid in person at a courthouse or correctional centre.
• Never send money to anyone you don’t know.
• If a person claims to be a police officer or judge, call that police service or court house directly to confirm the situation – police and courts will never ask for any form of payment.
• Never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone you don’t know — the police or courts will not ask for personal information over the phone.
“It is essential that we speak to our seniors about this trending crime as it is easily preventable with education, “ says Didsbury RCMP Cpl. Shane O’Neil.
“Sit down with your loved ones have a conversation and consider printing out these tips and leaving them near the phone.”
