The Toronto Police Service is seeking assistance identifying a man wanted in a Fraud investigation.
It is reported that:
- a woman, 78, received a phone call from an unknown person who was claiming that the woman's adult son was overworked and in danger
- the woman was then instructed to gather all of her jewelry, then attend her bank and withdraw as much money as she could
- the caller advised that they would remain on hold on the phone while the woman carried out her tasks
- concerned for her son's safety, the woman did as she was instructed
- she returned home and the unknown person was still on hold on the other end of the phone
- the woman was then instructed to attend the lobby area of her building, where she would meet a man who would receive the money and jewellry, which would then enable him to assist the woman's son
- again following instructions, she met with the unknown man and gave the money and jewellery to him
- the man took the property, thanked the woman, then left
- later in the day, after making contact with her son, the woman realized that the claims of the unknown person were not true
- the incident was reported to police
The man is described as approximately 35, 5’7”, short black hair, beard. He was wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans.
Security camera images of the man have been released.
Members of the public should remain vigilant when receiving any phone calls where a person is pressing them for money, whether to help a relative or otherwise.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
It is reported that:
- a woman, 78, received a phone call from an unknown person who was claiming that the woman's adult son was overworked and in danger
- the woman was then instructed to gather all of her jewelry, then attend her bank and withdraw as much money as she could
- the caller advised that they would remain on hold on the phone while the woman carried out her tasks
- concerned for her son's safety, the woman did as she was instructed
- she returned home and the unknown person was still on hold on the other end of the phone
- the woman was then instructed to attend the lobby area of her building, where she would meet a man who would receive the money and jewellry, which would then enable him to assist the woman's son
- again following instructions, she met with the unknown man and gave the money and jewellery to him
- the man took the property, thanked the woman, then left
- later in the day, after making contact with her son, the woman realized that the claims of the unknown person were not true
- the incident was reported to police
The man is described as approximately 35, 5’7”, short black hair, beard. He was wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans.
Security camera images of the man have been released.
Members of the public should remain vigilant when receiving any phone calls where a person is pressing them for money, whether to help a relative or otherwise.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.