Canmore RCMP is investigating a theft relating to an elderly woman being conned by a man claiming to be a bank fraud investigator.
According to police, on March 4, a male contacted an elderly woman claiming to be an employee with a local financial institution. The male had personal information related to the victim - including her financial details – and was able to convince her he was a fraud investigator conducting an investigation related to a bank employee who was stealing money.
The man then instructed the victim to attend the bank and withdraw a substantial amount of money from her account. The victim was directed not to touch the money herself and to have the bank employee put the money directly into an envelope.
After the victim left the bank, she was approached by the male, who identified himself as the investigator. The victim turned over the money to the male who said he would be in contact later.
The suspect is described as 50-60 years old, Caucasian, 5 foot 10 and balding with light grey/brown hair on the sides. He was dressed very casually, with khaki colored pants and a cotton shirt.
This type of fraud has been reported on numerous occasions in both Ontario and Manitoba. The person involved is able to gain access to the victim's personal information, including specific information related to the victim's banking information (account numbers, transaction history, etc.).
The RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for these incidents.
Investigators urge anyone who may have information regarding the identity of those responsible, or if you have witnessed any suspicious activity, to contact Canmore RCMP at 403-678-5519. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.
If the information leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.
