North Vancouver RCMP is alerting the community to the "Bail Money" scam that starts on the phone and ends with the fraudsters going to victims' homes to collect cash.
The "bail money" scam goes like this:
1. The phone call: A fraudster calls you and pretends to be your grandchild/child/other relative, a police officer or a lawyer.
2. The emergency: The fraudster tells you that your relative has been arrested and is in jail.
3. The money: The fraudster tells you that thousands of dollars is needed for bail.
4. The added pressures: The fraudster tells you that this is the only allowed phone call from jail and that you cannot talk to anyone about it.
5. The pick-up: The fraudster gets your home address and arranges to pick up the money themselves or via courier.
"If you get a 'bail money' scam call, don't share your personal information and don't be afraid to say no. Hang up and call your local police," said Cst. Kelly McIntyre of the North Vancouver RCMP. "If you find yourself in the middle of the 'bail money' scam - you have given out your address and someone is on their way to your home - call 911."
For more information about scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre website.
If you have been a victim of this scam, please contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311.
