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Well-scripted scam targeted seniorsContinued from page 1deception more believable.traced. By the time they find out they were A script, police allegedly seized duringnot actually talking to their grandchild the the operation, shows how the organizationmoney is gone.would fish for the grandchilds name.During the press conference Halton Hi Grandma, how are you?Police Chief Gary Crowell described this You know who this is right?crime as heinous. Its your grandson, who else calls youThe Emergency Scam targets seniors, that?one of our most vulnerable populations, and Well, take a guess! Dont worry, I wontcruelly plays upon their emotions to bilk be upset if you get it wrong.them out of thousands of dollars, said These are professionals, said Perkins.Crowell.These people go to work like you and ITo compound matters, it is estimated go to work. They are drawing this informa-that less than five per cent of victims report tion out of the seniors and thats what makesthis crime to police, because many of them this a particularly despicable type of crime.feel embarrassed that they were tricked by Perkins said the case was cracked whenthese criminals.police recognized a common denominatorOperating from a homes in Oakville and between all the victims who reported theMississauga, Crowell said, the organization scam to Halton police during the late sum-made an average of 200 calls per day.mer of last year.Of these 200 daily calls police said 15 to He would not elaborate on what thatNIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER20 would be successful with the organiza-common denominator was.tion swindling $2,500 to $6,000 from each From that we were able to identify aTOOLS OF THE TRADE: Halton Regional Police Superintendent Chris Perkins discusses victim.potential address, which led to potentialthe details of the Project Viper telephone fraud scam targeting seniors during a press conference in Halton Police Superintendent Chris individuals and the case took off from there,Oakville on Wednesday afternoon.Perkins said there were potentially thou-he said.sands of victims with the organization most-Dollar figure losses connected to thePerkins said sometimes the organization On Sunday, Feb. 20 and Monday, Feb. 21,ly targeting seniors in the United States as Emergency Scam are astounding, saidwould have information about the senior, police executed three search warrantsfar north as Maine and North Dakota and as Crowell. Police estimate that sincewhich they collected from things like social including one at a home on Oakvillesfar south as Texas and Florida.November 2010, this particular operationnetworking sites and obituaries, but more Kingsway Drive.There were also Canadian victims includ-alone has been responsible for an estimatedoften they would rely on their senior to pro-In addition to the arrest of the allegeding a number of Halton residents.$3 million in fraudulent takings.vide them with information to make the See Police page 5COLMUPNLCIHMto an active retirement lifestyle at Vistamere, Oakvilles premier fully equipped Residents Kitchen is ideal for WENIretirement residence.personal baking. You can enjoy a game of pool inTTAHRour comfortable Club Room, have a game of bridge in TNYestled in a well established neighbourhood, close to popular Hopedale Oour Card Room or just chat with new friends in our bright UMall, living at Vistamere is like living in a fi ne hotel.Rand airy main lounge. We even have a custom designed indoor Everything is included in your monthly fee; there are no hidden charges.shuffl eboard court!Three meals a day in our beautifully appointed dining room, snacks, Call today for your personal tour and complimentary lunch. Wed love toweekly personal laundry and linen service, daily housekeeping and sohave you join us!much more, have made Vistamere the choice for active seniors. Our 380 Sherin Drive, Oakville, Ontario(905) 847-1413www.vistamere.cawww.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, February 24, 2011 4