RCMP save scam victim after intercepting a package containing thousands in cash

Jun 21, 2019 | 3:13 PM

A Kelowna woman in her sixties is lucky to not have been scammed out thousands of dollars after investigators with the Federal Serious and Organized Crime section of the RCMP intercepted two packages destined for a scam artist in the Lower Mainland.

The two packages contained $40,000 in cash.

Police said the victim first received a call from the scammer claiming to be from the fraud department of her bank, saying her bank cards were compromised.

The scammers then told the woman that they were working with the RCMP to catch the suspect. A person pretending to be an officer then told the woman over the phone she would receive a cash reward from her bank if she offered to help.

“Under the direction of the suspects, the victim downloaded software applications to her computer, which authorities believe allowed remote access to the woman’s computer and in turn her online banking information,” Kelowna RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, said.

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The con artists then tasked the victim with making countless cash withdrawals totalling $40,000 and purchases of $38,000 worth of Google Play gift cards at different stores in Kelowna. The victim later discovered the money being deposited into her account to make those purchases and withdrawals, was being transferred from her other accounts and credit cards as cash advances.

“Thankfully our partners with FSOC in Surrey were able to intercept two packages containing $40,000 in cash, sent by our victim and destined for a Lower Mainland address,” O’Donaghey said.

RCMP said the police investigation remains ongoing and the victim continues to seek compensation for her loss due to the purchase of thousands of dollars in gift cards.

They added the situation serves as an important reminder to trust your instincts.

“It’s important for the general public to know that the RCMP would never ask someone to cooperate in a police investigation in this manner, nor would a victim be offered financial compensation,” O’Donaghey said.

“RCMP also encourage the public to consider verifying a police officer’s identity, if they are dealing with them over a phone. It can be as simple as calling their detachment’s non-emergency line or their police dispatchers.”

by Tiffany Goodwein

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