Revelstoke resident caught in emergency scam

Revelstoke RCMP is urging the general public to remain extra vigilant after back to back reports of the Emergency Scam, otherwise known as the Grandparent Scam, in the Revelstoke area.

On November 25, shortly after 10:30 a.m., a Revelstoke resident was targeted by a scammer who posed as a close friend. The fraudster, who seemed to be panicked, claimed he was in jail and needed bail money. The suspect further added that he had been in an accident and had been drinking. He requested that the victim e-transfer $2,500 to the man’s lawyer, who supposedly practiced law in the BC Lower Mainland.

“The victim wired the funds electronically after they received a second call from a person who identified themselves as the friend’s legal counsel,” Sgt. Chris Dodds, Revelstoke RCMP Detachment Commander said.

Shortly before 12 p.m., Revelstoke RCMP responded to yet another report of a local resident targeted in an apparent emergency scam. The resident shared that he had received an anonymous call from someone posing as his grandson, who claimed he was in jail, in need of money following a drunk driving accident. Fortunately the resident contacted the Revelstoke RCMP non-emergency line and a police dispatcher advised the man not to send any money as the matter was a scam.