Seniors being targeted over Christmas Holidays

The Halton Regional Police Service is asking seniors to be cautious if they receive telephone calls from someone posing as a family member and then asking for money.

Police are investigating a telephone scam that has the male caller phone an elderly person and identify himself as the victim’s grandson. The suspect will indicate that he is in trouble and needs money. The suspect will then ask the victim to send money through Western Union or by way of a Money Gram from the post office.

In another scam, elderly women have been targeted on 3 occasions in Oakville Place Mall. The suspects are two females described as Middle Eastern in appearance. One of the suspects will be pushing a baby stroller with a child in it. One of the female suspects will distract the elderly woman while the other suspect reaches into her purse and steals their wallet.

The suspects will immediately begin to use any credit cards found in the purse.
At this time of year the public needs to be diligent and remember that there are individuals in society that will take advantage of their giving nature. Please be cautious when speaking on the telephone if you are uncertain of the caller. Never arrange to give money over the telephone by way of a credit card. Confirm with other family members if a relative has called and is requesting assistance.

The Halton Regional Police Service is continuing to investigate these incidents. Anyone with information related to it is asked to contact the Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau at (905) 825-4777 Ext 2204 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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