UPDATE 11:09 AM Kelowna RCMP have released photos of a person of interest and a vehicle that may be involved in a grandparent scam making the rounds in the Okanagan. “As the investigation into the grandparent scam develops, Kelowna RCMP are now releasing the photo of a person of interest along with a vehicle possibly involved in this unfolding incident. The RCMP would like to speak with the person in the photo. If you have information or recognize the individual, please contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300,” says an RCMP spokesperson. ORIGINAL 9:47 am RCMP say Okanagan seniors are being actively targeted by phone scammers. In a news release Wednesday, police say the common scam usually involves a phone call from someone telling victims their grandchild is in legal trouble and will need a large amount of money for bail. Scammers also ask for the money to be linked as soon as possible without telling anyone. Police say the scammer may try to convince you that your grandchild was in a car accident or was arrested. In two cases in Kelowna, a scammer was able to go to the victim’s residence, where he took large sums of money that had been arranged with the victims. If someone tries to scam you over the phone, RCMP say not to hand over money or give the caller more information. You should hang up and call your relative or other family member to find out what’s going on. Report the scam to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
