Phone scam suspect arrested in West Vancouver

A suspect has been arrested and is facing potential charges after he attempted to defraud a senior out of thousands of dollars.

On February 14, WVPD received a report of an attempted fraud. The complainant, and son of the 84-year-old intended victim, told police that his mother had received a phone call earlier in the day from someone demanding money. The caller had identified himself as a police officer and said that the woman’s friend had been arrested and needed $15,000.00 in bail money. The caller said he would pick up the money from the woman’s house the next day.

The woman did the right thing and notified her son, who then called police.

Officers worked with the woman and her son to help arrange a pickup of the money on February 15.

Shortly after 10:00 am on February 15, officers from the West Vancouver Police Target Team along with multiple Patrol officers attended the Caulfeild area and arrested a 31-year-old man from Vancouver.

"This woman did absolutely the right thing by telling her son about the strange phone call," says Cst. Kevin Goodmurphy. "Rest assured that our investigators will do everything they can to ensure this man is held accountable for his despicable actions." "Preying on vulnerable seniors in our community will not be tolerated."

The man was later released pending further investigation and a report to BC Prosecution Service recommending charges.

If anyone receives a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be in trouble and in need of money, they are asked to contact police immediately.