Following a report of a fraud that occurred in Clarenville earlier this month, Clarenville RCMP worked with Toronto Police Service and Canada Post and recovered nearly $30,000.00 that was destined for a scammer in Ontario.
On March 1, 2025, Clarenville RCMP received a report of a suspected scam. The victims, an elderly couple, sent nearly $30,000.00 in the mail through Canada Post to an individual and an address in Ontario. The scammer had advised the victims that they were being investigated by their banking institution. After a number of calls placed back and forth, the scammer gained access to the victim's computer. After an attempted suspicious transaction, the victim's bank account was frozen. The scammer informed the victim that they had deposited funds into the victim's account and needed the victim to withdraw the money to send to those who were assisting with the investigation. The victim complied and sent the funds in the mail.
In working with Canada Post, the package was intercepted prior to arriving at its intended destination. The money was returned to the victims.
The Toronto Police Service has been engaged and the investigation is continuing.
RCMP NL warns the public of a number of scams in circulation which commonly target senior citizens. Scammers tend to apply a sense of pressure and use pushy tactics and fear to have the victims comply with their direction, oftentimes making the victim feel they will be in trouble with the law etc.
Residents of the province are encouraged to speak with friends and family, especially seniors, about these scams. Always double check any claims made directly with the source identified in the phone call, email or text message and never provide personal information.
To report suspected scams, please contact your local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm