Senior loses $12K after alleged television streaming service scam
Guelph police are asking residents to be careful when talking to strangers online after they say a senior was scammed out of $12,000.
Police said the victim, in her 70s, reported the fraud on Monday. She said she was having billing issues with a television streaming service and spoke to someone she thought was a representative of the company.
The male said he could reimburse her $120 but needed access to her computer, which the victim granted, according to a media release from police.
When she got back on her computer, the victim said she had an additional $12,000 in her chequing account.
She asked the male and he said he put the decimal in the wrong place and convinced the victim to send him $12,000 cash to correct the error.
Police said the victim withdrew the funds from the bank over two days and mailed it to an address in Barrie.
“She later discovered the $12,000 which went into her chequing account had actually been transferred from her own savings account,” said police.
Police are warning residents to be vigilant and cautious whenever you are speaking with someone you don’t know, especially online or over the phone.
When in doubt, contact a family member, co-worker, trusted friend or the police, before you follow through with instructions from a person you don’t know.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have been destroyed in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Australian field hockey player opts to amputate part of his finger in order to compete in Paris Olympics
In the run up to the Paris Olympics, athletes have been stepping up their preparations in order to maintain their edge over competitors. But for Australia’s Matt Dawson, those preparations looked a little different this year, with the field hockey player opting to have part of his finger amputated in order to compete in the Games.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.