Introduction

A woman from Gambier Island has a powerful warning for seniors everywhere after she narrowly evaded a sophisticated phone scam that has been targeting vulnerable individuals.

The Experience

Judy Weiser, an accomplished psychologist and art therapist, is tech-savvy and well-versed in the digital landscape, operating her own website and successfully managing a Facebook group with over 10,000 members. Yet, even she found herself momentarily caught off guard by a call that appeared to be from 'Canada Post.'

"I always remind my husband to be cautious. If someone asks him, ‘Is this Bob?’ he knows to respond with ‘Uh huh’ instead of outright saying ‘yes’ because that can be recorded and misused in scams,” Weiser explained. However, the recorded message requesting her to press one for information about a package piqued her curiosity. With five pending packages due to a Canada Post strike impacting deliveries to her island home, she pressed one to connect.

The Scam Unfolds

On the line, a male voice claimed they were investigating a suspicious package linked to her address—one that supposedly contained $16,000 in cash and fake driver’s licenses. "I was floored," Weiser recounted. The caller then requested her address, exploiting her surprise and momentarily disarming her suspicions. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed regret over not asking what address the package supposedly was sent to, a key detail she now recognizes as critical.

As the conversation escalated, the man prompted her to read a statement regarding involvement in a fraudulent money laundering scheme. Weiser, though skeptical, felt compelled to engage due to the serious nature of the claims being made. “I thought if this is a fraud, it’s a clever one,” she remarked.

Trust Your Instincts

However, as the scammer continued to press her for personal information—including her bank details—Weiser's instincts kicked in. Noticing multiple voices in the background, she decided to challenge the legitimacy of the call by demanding the caller’s badge number and the office he represented. The response escalated the tension; he warned her that if she were innocent, they would help clear her name, but they needed to 'freeze' her bank account.

“I told him, 'No, you don't!'” she firmly stated. Weiser remained resolute, declaring that without written proof, there would be no way she would allow them to interfere with her finances.

Aftermath and Advice

Ultimately, her fierce resistance led the scammers to end the call, realizing they were up against an informed individual. Following her harrowing experience, Weiser reached out to the Coast Reporter not only to share her story but to help safeguard others from falling victim to similar scams. She emphasized that instead of hurriedly defending oneself against such accusations, people should ask for a phone number to call back, request written documentation, and consult with family or friends for advice.

RCMP Warning

In a broader context, RCMP Constable Karen Whitby highlighted the growing prevalence of the Canada Post phone scam, stressing that the first line of defense is often simply not answering unknown calls. “Be extremely cautious before providing any information. If it’s a legitimate business, look up their number and call back,” she advised.

Conclusion

As scams become more sophisticated and increasingly common, awareness and education remain vital tools for protection. Seniors, in particular, must be vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited calls. If ever in doubt, reaching out to trusted sources or authorities can provide clarity and security. If you suspect a scam, don't hesitate to share your experience—it's a step towards ensuring that these deceptive practices aren’t carried out unnoticed.