The Saanich Police want to caution residents of Saanich, especially seniors, of a scam that is starting to resurface. The scam is commonly referred to as the “Bank Investigator” scam. In this scam, the victim (usual a senior) receives a phone call from someone claiming to be with their bank, who says they are investigating an internal theft. The scammer then asks their victim to help them catch the thief by withdrawing money from their bank account. The scammer then requests the victim bring the money to a meeting place away from the bank.
“Saanich Police have not received any reports of this scam yet but want to make the public aware that this scam is starting to resurface in different areas of the country” Sgt. Karen Phillips, of the Saanich Police Fraud Section, said.
Saanich Police want to remind the public that no bank or other legitimate business will ever approach clients to ask for assistance in this way. People who receive calls such as these are asked to report them to police immediately.
Saanich Police encourage you to protect yourself from fraud by learning how to recognize it. Helpful information on common scams and ways to protect yourself can be found atwww.antifraudcentre.ca. Police further urge you to take the time to identify the people in your life who may be vulnerable to these scams.
Anyone with information that may assist the Police in identifying or locating the people responsible for these crimes are asked to call Saanich Police at 250-475-4321 or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
A/Sgt. Jereme Leslie #228