Seniors Scammed of Thousands as ‘Grandparent’ Fraud Hits Port Moody, B.C., Canada

Three seniors in Port Moody, B.C. fell victim to a well-known grandparent scam, losing thousands of dollars on the same day. According to Const. Sam Zacharias, the fraudsters successfully obtained a total of $12,000 in cash from two out of the three victims. In this scam, the perpetrators pose as grandchildren in need of urgent financial assistance due to a legal matter such as a car accident or bail. The victims reported handing over the money in person to an unknown suspect who visited their homes. Scammers often mislead elderly individuals by claiming that an authority figure such as a lawyer or bailiff would come to collect the funds. While it is uncertain if the three cases are connected, police are currently investigating the incidents and reviewing surveillance footage. The small community of Port Moody, with its population of approximately 33,000, has been deeply affected by these alarming occurrences. It is essential for the community to remain vigilant and to educate seniors about such scams to prevent further financial exploitation.