Guelph police are urging the public to be cautious after a senior citizen lost $20,000 in a grandparent-type fraud.
A female in her 70s contacted police last Friday to report the fraud. Earlier this month she was contacted by someone she thought was her nephew. The male said he was facing charges following a collision which injured a female and needed $7,000 for bail.
The victim withdrew that amount in cash and later gave it to a male who attended her residence claiming to be an employee of the court system. The next day the victim received another call asking for an additional $13,000 to cover medical expenses for the female allegedly injured in the collision. Again the victim withdrew the cash and gave it to a different male who attended her home.
The victim eventually spoke to relatives who advised the nephew had not been involved in a collision or taken into custody.
The first male who attended the victim’s home was described as possibly Indian, 5’7”, black hair in a ponytail, thin build wearing dark clothing. The second male was described as white, 5’8”, stocky build with short brown hair and wearing light clothing.
