Guelph police are investigating after a senior was scammed out of $34,000.
On the weekend, police learned a woman in her late 60s had been contacted via Facebook by someone claiming to represent a benefits program for disabled retirees. After filling out an application the victim was told she had been approved to receive $380,000 and received an image of a cheque filled out in that amount, however she had to pay $39,000 to cover insurance.
The victim twice met with a man in the parking lot of a gas station, each time handing over $17,000 in cash. Before she could withdraw the remainder, her family discovered what was happening and contacted police.
The suspect was described as a black male in his late 20s, 5’10”, clean shaven with a thin build and wearing a black hoodie. He said his name was Mark and at one of the meetings was carrying a small child.
Police urges the public to be cautious when receiving a call or online message from someone unknown to you. Do not provide personal information unless you have independently verified the legitimacy of the request, and never provide cash or send electronic payments to someone you don’t know.
