Seniors with landlines are being targeted by clever scammers who are bilking them out of thousands of dollars by using A.I technology and acts of fear.
As a Côte Saint-Luc city councillor, a number of my constituents have reported incidents to me. Our new Mayor David Tordjman reports the same thing. Councillor Steven Erdelyi’s parents were about to withdraw money to pay a scammer, but an alert manager at the RBC branch at the corner of Cavendish and Kildare stopped the transaction. When the Erdelyis called their son-in-law in Toronto, who had reportedly called them in desperate need of cash, he confirmed that was not him.
Mayor Tordjman is now working with the police and he intends on reaching out to banks, seniors residences and seniors clubs as part of an action and awareness campaign. We are also hoping the media will pick up this story for everyone must be forewarned.
Here is what one couple in my constituency shared. They got a call from someone claiming to be their son. He had been in a terrible accident and was arrested for hitting someone from behind. “Jon, this does not sound like you,” the mom said to which he replied: “My nose is broken.” Someone else then came to the phone claiming to be a lawyer, using the name Eric Sutton. He told them their son will now have a criminal record. The woman in the other vehicle, he stated, was in a coma, and if she died he would be charged with manslaughter. A large sum of money was required to make this go away. Without thinking the couple rushed to the bank, withdrew the cash and put it into a closed box destined for Eric Sutton via an uber. Soon after, upon speaking to their son, they realized they were duped. This was two weeks ago. They remain traumatized, but at the same time committed to getting the word out to others.
The couple have provided me with some helpful tips.
Spread the word, and talk to your family. Be vigilant, as this scam is running rampant, especially in areas where there are affluent seniors like Côte Saint-Luc, Hampstead, TMR, Westmount, parts of Toronto and New York City and so on.
If you, your parents, grandparents, or children get a phone call sounding exactly like a close family member claiming they are in trouble and need money:
– Don’t panic.
– Don’t send money.
– Hang up and call your family members phone number directly, or other family members/ close friends.
– Discuss a “safe word” with your family prior, to be activated if someone gets a call like this
– Discuss protocols repeatedly with your family so that if & when this happens, there will be a set of “rules” to follow prior to falling victim to a fraud, and they will be ready.
Scammers can now easily copy someone’s voice with a computer, and then make this voice say whatever they want like, “Hi grandpa/grandma or dad/mom. I’m in trouble. I need money, etc”
Here’s a news report explaining how it works. Please share with your friends and family.
I would like to thank these very courageous people for stepping forward and I hope others follow their advice.
