Alleged Fraudster Visits Elderly Woman with Dementia
An alarming incident occurred when a man visited an elderly woman suffering from dementia in Montreal, attempting to steal her banking information. This case highlights the growing threat of elder fraud and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals.
Incident Detail
Mélanie Nadeau expressed outrage after witnessing a disturbing episode involving her 75-year-old mother, Diane Prévost. Just before 4 PM on a Wednesday, her mother received a phone call about unusual transactions on her bank account.
Fraudster’s Tactics
The caller, posing as a bank representative, convinced Prévost that he needed her card and PIN. Given her condition, she became confused and could not move independently. Shortly after the call, a man dressed in black, wearing dark sunglasses, arrived at her home.
Surveillance Footage
Nadeau had installed a surveillance camera to monitor her mother’s wellbeing. The shocking footage revealed the alleged fraudster approaching Prévost’s bedside, attempting to secure the PIN, which Nadeau held. In the video, Prévost inadvertently passed the phone to the fraudster, believing he was assisting with an important bank matter.
- Time of incident: Wednesday, around 4 PM
- Victim: Diane Prévost, aged 75, suffers from dementia
- Fraudster: Male, dressed in black, wearing sunglasses
- Key evidence: Surveillance footage captured the interaction
Response and Reporting
Once Nadeau realized what was happening, she ordered the impostor to leave. As she alerted the police, he abruptly hung up. Nadeau subsequently filed a report with the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM).
Statistics on Elder Fraud
In recent months, there has been a worrying increase in elder fraud incidents. A spokesperson for Desjardins, Véronique Blais, emphasized that legitimate bank representatives never conduct transactions in person at clients’ residences.
Experts warn that the rate of accusations for such crimes surged by 14 times from 2019 to 2024. Criminal organizations often rely on these scams to fund their operations, targeting the most vulnerable.
Preventive Measures
To safeguard against similar scams, experts recommend maintaining open communication between family members. Sharing passwords or codes can verify identities and reduce the risk of fraud. Additionally, transitioning to simpler phone technology may further protect elderly individuals.
This case serves as a critical reminder of the dangers posed by fraud and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the elderly from potential exploitation.
