Image: Google Maps / The Agassiz RCMP detachment (pictured) reported this week that the grandparent bail scam has spread to its community as well. Sgt. Mike Sargent of the Agassiz RCMP says there's been a significant increase in the number of calls involving scammers contacting people, often seniors, requesting bail money.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Agassiz RCMP scam calls

Agassiz RCMP reports significant increase in number of bail scam calls

Feb 16, 2023 | 9:34 AM

AGASSIZ — Just days after the Chilliwack RCMP advised that it was investigating multiple reports of seniors who have been scammed out of their hard-earned money, another RCMP detachment in the area says the scam has spread to its community.

Sgt. Michael Sargent of the Agassiz RCMP said Wednesday (Feb. 15) that it is investigating similar reports of Agassiz-area seniors being contacted for bail money.

Mounties say the bail scam involves fraudsters calling unassuming people (often seniors) advising that a loved one is in police custody and they require bail money in order for their loved one to be released. The fraudster tells the caller that he/she is a police officer and that money is required in order for their loved one to be released. They request either a money transfer or a meeting to receive the funds required to bail their loved one out of jail.

Sgt. Sargent said the Agassiz RCMP detachment has received similar calls this past week from the public in relation to these scams targeting the elderly. One was reported in Agassiz on Saturday, February 11 and another in Harrison Hot Springs on Wednesday, February 15. In one of the incidents the fraudster was posing as a loved one who had been arrested and needed bail money and in the other, a close relative had been involved in a car accident and required money.

“There has been a significant increase in the number of these incidents occurring within our jurisdiction,” Sgt. Sargent said. “Police are urging the public to be extra cautious when receiving a call of this nature.”

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Local residents are encouraged to report this or any other fraud to the Agassiz RCMP (604)-796-2211, or the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611, and to report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online.

The RCMP want to remind the community that they never, ever solicit funds over the phone. If you receive a call like this, please do not provide the caller with any money or any information. Hang up and call your local detachment. Report the fraud to your local police as well as the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

In 2022, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received more than 90,000 reports of frauds. More than 56,000 Canadians fell victim to fraud, which resulted in a loss of $530 million. This bail scam has recently surfaced in many Lower Mainland communities including Chilliwack.

“It’s important for everyone to be aware of these scams so that they don’t fall victim to these fraudsters,” RCMP Sgt. Krista Vrolyk of the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment said. “Many frauds go unreported to police as victims often feel ashamed or embarrassed. It is important for anyone who has fallen victim to report the fraud to police. That way, we can investigate to identify suspects and lay criminal charges and prevent others from falling prey.”

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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Agassiz RCMP reports significant increase in number of bail scam calls

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