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Fraudsters scam St. Albert resident of more than $20,000

Bait and switch cons increasing
Alberta News

A St. Albertan is out more than $20,000 after being tricked by a scam and the RCMP is warning residents about it.

The St. Albert resident received a voicemail stating they were overcharged for I.T. services and were entitled to a $210 refund. The individual returned the call at the number left on the voice message, and at that time the fraudster took over their computer to assist with online banking. 

The fraudster stated they would transfer money from a chase account. The St. Albert citizen typed in $210 as instructed, but the computer refreshed and $21,000 was transferred into their savings account. 

The fraudster then stated he could not correct the error online without excessive fees. However, if the resident went to their bank and transferred the $21,000 ($20,500 after service fees) back to the fraudster in Thailand, the problem would be fixed. 

Against the bank’s warnings, the citizen wire transferred money to the fraudster and now they owe the bank the money they transferred which never really existed. 

RCMP want to remind the public that if anyone receives a phone call where someone is posing as an individual from a credit card company or bank, and request access to your computer/electronic device, do not allow this. Anyone who is unsure, should immediately contact their local police detachment. 

If anyone is a victim of fraud or would like more information on all types of fraudulent scams in Canada, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

Anyone with information on a crime is asked to contact the St. Albert RCMP Detachment at 780-458-7700 or call their local police. If an individual wishes to remain anonymous, they can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at wwwP3Tips.com. 

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