On March 4, 2016, 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 that he was a fraud investigator conducting an investigation related to a bank employee who was stealing money. The male 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 male is described as being approximately 50-60 years old, caucasian, 5’10” tall, 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. This includes specific information related to the victim’s banking information. (Account #’s, 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.