Caught-on-camera scam: 'Person of interest' takes envelope full of cash from B.C. seniors told relative was in jail
Video released by Vancouver police shows someone they're calling a "person of interest" in an investigation into a new scam targeting local seniors.
Officers released the video Friday, saying they're looking for information about the man in the video after receiving two separate reports from seniors now out thousands of dollars.
The incidents both happened Wednesday.
A couple living on Vancouver's West Side received a call, police said, from a man who told them their nephew had been in a car accident and needed money to get out of jail.
The man told the couple, in their 70s, that he needed $8,000. A person then came to their house and picked up the money.
On the same day, another Vancouver resident in their 70s got a similar call.
That person, a 75-year-old woman who lives in Kitsilano, was told her grandson had been in a car accident and arrested. In this case, the victim was told she'd have to put up $9,000 for his bail.
A man then came to her home to pick up the money.
The Vancouver Police Department said it's not yet known whether they're looking for a single suspect or an organized group in the cases.
"It's not uncommon for scammers to target the elderly by contacting them by mail, telephone or online. What's different and concerning is that fraudsters are now showing up at the victims' doorsteps to collect cash," Const. Tania Visintin said in a statement released with the video.
"It's brazen and we're concerned about people's safety."
Visintin said in a media availability later in the day that police in Vancouver are reaching out to officers in other cities, including Surrey and Chilliwack, where similar scams have been reported, to determine whether there are any connections.
"Until we know more, we urge everyone to be cautious about strangers who ask for money."
The man in the video released Friday is not being called a suspect – instead described as a "person of interest" – but officers say they are looking for more information about him and the scam.
His face is partially hidden from the camera and he's wearing a mask, but he may be recognizable by sight or by his voice to someone who knows who he is.
The video shows the man approaching and knocking on the front door of a home.
He yells, "Hi there, it's Chris, from the courthouse. I'm just picking up a package."
A person inside the home opens the door, and the person of interest asks how those inside are, wishing them a "happy new year."
It's hard to make out what the people inside are saying to him, but he makes small talk, including asking whether they made any resolutions this year.
He stands, hands on his hips, waiting and looking back at the street, where a black vehicle is parked that he indicates is his.
Someone inside the house can be heard on a phone, telling whoever is on the line that "Chris" is at the door. Eventually, he's handed an envelope – presumably filled with the victims' money – and he heads off, wishing them a happy new year again.
Someone inside the house can be heard asking either another resident or someone on the phone, "Have you heard any more from the hospital," as the man who called himself "Chris" walks out of frame. The door closes.
The entire encounter lasts about 2.5 minutes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.