“Seniors in the Montreal region have fallen victim to a disturbing scam, where they were conned into handing over their bank cards to a minor in approximately 30 cases of fraud. The suspect, who remains unnamed due to their age, was recently apprehended by the Laval police. This deceptive scheme specifically targeted the elderly, as the perpetrator posed as a bank employee to gain their trust.
The Modus Operandi:
The suspect would deceive the victims into believing that their bank cards had been compromised, instructing them to place their cards in an envelope and write their PIN numbers on the back. Subsequently, the victims were led to believe that a courier would retrieve the cards from their homes for ‘safekeeping.’ However, these cards were misused for fraudulent activities at various bank counters and businesses. Fake names such as ‘Simon Cloutier’ and ‘Simon Blais’ were used by the courier who collected the bank cards.
The Deception Unveiled:
In some instances, the suspect went to great lengths to further deceive the victims by arranging conference calls with a fake bank representative to reactivate the blocked cards. This elaborate scam has left a trail of approximately 30 cases in the Laval area alone, with fears that more individuals may have unknowingly fallen prey to this fraudulent operation.
A Call to Vigilance:
Law enforcement authorities urge the public to exercise caution and refrain from divulging personal information to unknown individuals. They emphasize that legitimate banks and government entities will never request sensitive details over the phone or via email. Furthermore, it is important to note that bank personnel will never visit your residence to collect debit or credit cards.
Conclusion:
In times of doubt or suspicion, it is imperative to directly contact your financial institution using their official contact numbers to verify any communication. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding this scam to come forward and assist in the investigation. Remember, vigilance is key in protecting oneself from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.
In a world where trust is easily exploited, it is crucial to remain vigilant and discerning in all your interactions. Let’s work together to safeguard our communities and ensure that vulnerable individuals are not exploited for selfish gain.”
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