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White Rock RCMP warn about scammers

Reports of seniors being targeted by callers asking for money.

White Rock RCMP are reminding residents to be wary of callers purporting to be a relative needing financial help, after a senior was targeted by a man claiming to be her nephew.

Const. Shaileshni Molison said in a news release the incident happened earlier this month, and the caller came close to achieving his goal.

According to Molison, the 70-year-old was contacted March 3 by an upset individual who claimed to be her nephew. He did not provide a name, but managed to convince the senior they were related, then asked her to send funds for a legal matter through a money transfer.

He then advised the senior that his lawyer would contact her. It was during that next call that the "aunt" became suspicious. On a friend's advice, she reported the incident to police.

Molison said the senior was lucky she did not send any money.

"Not all individuals in this situation have been as fortunate," she said.

She encouraged anyone on the receiving end of a similarly suspicious call to: resist the caller's pressure to act quickly; verify who they are dealing with; and contact police.

In White Rock, call 778-593-3600.