Calgary police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man suspected of defrauding an elderly woman in her 80s out of more than $10,000.
The Calgary Police Service made the appeal on Wednesday via an X post, sharing details of the case along with a photo of the suspect.
According to police, the incident occurred on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., when the victim received a phone call from a man claiming to be a bank employee investigating internal fraud.
Police say over the next two days, the suspect allegedly convinced the woman to buy two $1,000 gift cards from a grocery store and to provide him with the security codes.
He then instructed the elderly woman to withdraw $10,000 from her bank and arranged to meet her at home to collect the money in person.
When the victim became suspicious of the alleged fraudster’s unusual requests, she contacted the police.
The CPS says that “after exhausting all investigative avenues” they are now turning to the public for help in identifying the culprit.
“We’re asking the public for their help in identifying an unknown man who is believed to be responsible for defrauding a local senior out of approx. $12,000 earlier this year,” CPS said through its official social media channels.
Along with the picture, they offered a description of the suspect as being approximately 6’ tall with a “medium build, and a “dark complexion.”
Coincidentally, CPS’s appeal comes during Fraud Prevention Month, with police reminding residents to stay vigilant of fraudulent activities.
Their post advises against sharing sensitive financial information, such as bank account details, social insurance numbers, or credit card numbers, with unknown individuals or companies.
Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to contact Calgary police or Crime Stoppers.