Durham police have issued a warning to area seniors after an 86-year-old woman was targeted by scammers in Scugog earlier this week.

According to police, a complainant reported on Monday (July 10) that her mother had been defrauded and tricked into handing over a large sum of money.

Following an investigation, police said that it appears the suspect, who identified himself as a bank employee, contacted the senior by phone earlier in the day. He asked that she withdraw her savings in order for him to inspect the bills.

The victim attended her local bank in Port Perry and withdrew her savings and the suspect then contacted her shortly after and requested to meet at a local drug store. At this point, the suspect took the money and advised that it would be inspected and then returned at a later date.

Police say that a number of door-to door and telephone scams involving banking, government tax returns and home renovations have been reported recently, often targeting seniors.

The following tips can help protect yourself from being a victim to these types of crimes:

Do not give banking/personal information over the phone;

–       Attend your bank in person to ask questions;

–       Do not give money to someone unknown to you;

–       Do not purchase gift cards to pay taxes or fines; and,

–       Call someone you trust to help you, if you are unsure

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact North Division at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2672. Anonymous tips can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers by visiting at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.