Sunday, April 27, 2003

BANK FRAUD
The Thunder Bay police have contacted the Sault Ste. Marie police to warn the public about another scam that is making rounds again. The same fraudster hit both Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie last year with a similar description.

The bank inspector scam works when a victim (usually elderly) is contacted by someone claiming to be a bank inspector or investigator who is investigating the theft of money at the victim's bank. The victim is usually reassured because the bank inspector knows much of their banking information and often their bank account numbers. The victim is asked to help with the investigation by withdrawing a large amount of cash and turning it over to the bank inspector.

The bank inspector assures that the money will be returned to their account as they are
investigating the teller involved. As all scams go, the money is never returned.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind everyone that financial institutions do not contact citizens to help conduct internal investigations.

The Sault Police Service is asking all financial institutions to notify their tellers as soon as possible to watch for any elderly females asking for large cash withdrawals (usually between
$4-5,000 - especially asking to put it in an envelope) and to advise elderly clients of this
fraud to ensure they have not been targeted as victims.

If they are afraid to talk to the teller please contact police immediately to have an officer speak to the victim. Please contact police with any occurrences especially any "in progress" as the suspect is likely waiting outside. Please ask the victim to remain in the bank until police arrive and give full details to the police operator when calling.