VOCM News is getting more and more calls from residents concerned about an apparent increase in phone scam attempts targeting seniors.

The basic premise involves a caller, often posing as a young family member, who has run into trouble. The caller will often start with a question like “Do you know who this is?” and then waits for their intended victim to fill in the blanks. They then launch into a sob story involving trouble the person has run into and their need for money.

Sometimes, the premise is much wilder, as one caller to VOCM Open Line indicated this week.

The woman says she told the caller she didn’t know them, and their response was “yes you do – your number came to me in a dream.” She says the caller was persistent, but she knew without a doubt it was a scam.

The scam follows the classic pattern warned about by RCMP and the Better Business Bureau. If you think you or a loved one has been targeted by a scam, contact Phone Busters. If you or a loved one has been victimized, contact police.

For more information on scams or to report a fraud visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Helpful links from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Scams by medium
Protect yourself from scams and fraud
What to do if you’re a victim of fraud