(UPDATE: Dec. 30 @ 9:55 am) - The fraud issues have persisted in Kamloops since police issued a public warning earlier this week.
The Kamloops RCMP and Tk'emlups Rural RCMP have received more than 30 calls over the past two days with reports of a fraud scam that some residents have fallen victims to.
"Scammers are calling landlines, posing as either legal counsel or friends of the victim's family members, who claim they need to pay for bail or legal fees after being involved in an accident they are at fault in," explained Cpl. Melanie Murdy.
"The scammers are also posing as the family member and on numerous occasions have been so convincing that the victims believe the person to be their loved on is in danger."
Police say this has cost victims "thousands of dollars."
A female suspect has been identified on two occasions as she picked up money from a residence.
According to the RCMP, she is "possible Asian," petite and just over five feet tall. She was a passenger in a white SUV or car.
"It is believed the female is not working alone," noted Murdy.
The Kamloops RCMP is reminding the public that scammers are very believable, but lawyers or any other professional agency will never request to meet up to pick up cash in a parking lot, restaurant, park or residence.
Police continue to investigate these incidents and are asking anyone with information to call the detachment at 250-828-3000.
(Original story: Dec. 28 @ 2:40 pm) - Kamloops RCMP is warning residents of numerous fraudsters in and around the city.
The police have received multiple reports of fraud on Wednesday. Scammers are posing as either legal counsel or friends of victim's family members, who claim they need money to pay for bail or legal fees.
"While scam phone calls have unfortunately become very common, the crimes committed today are particularity concerning as the offenders are attempting to make arrangements to meet with the victims personally," said Sgt. Kevin McIntyre.
"We would like the public to understand that the bail process in Canada is very different from what is portrayed in American television, which would never involve meeting a stranger in a parking lot or restaurant. It is important to never give out personal information or your home address.”
The Law Society of BC maintains a lawyer directly to confirm active lawyers in the province and the Kamloops RCMP can assist anyone who may be concerned that their loved one was taken into custody.
The Kamloops RCMP General Investigation Support Team, Crime Reduction Unit and frontline workers are actively investigating these offences and anyone with information is asked to call the Kamloops RCMP non-emergency line at: 250-828-3000.
