Surrey RCMP are looking for a suspected fraudster who is reported to have stolen money using a website designed to assist Filipino immigrants.
On March 21, RCMP received a report from someone saying she had met a woman online who called herself Creste Gelera (believed to be a false name). The woman said she could help the victim pay for surgery she needed. The woman told the victim to supply her bank account information so that she could deposit a cheque into the victim’s account with the funds needed.
After the cheque was deposited, the victim was then told to withdraw the cash and give it to another woman — Lulu Beth (also believed to be a false name).
But the cheque bounced after the money was withdrawn.
Surrey RCMP has now obtained surveillance photos of a suspect in this investigation. The pictures show an Asian female, 30 to 40 years old, with dark hair and pink highlights. At the time, the suspect was wearing glasses, a grey sweatshirt, and a black vest.
“This is a classic fraud that preys on people’s kindness, generosity, and sincere desire to help one another,” said Sgt. Alanna Dunlop in a release. “Take steps to protect yourself and your money. Wait until a cheque is cleared by the bank before withdrawing the money and never give out your banking information or passwords. It’s always a good idea to be overly cautious if you are in contact with strangers on the internet.”
For more information on scams and frauds, visit the Surrey RCMP website.
If anyone recognizes the suspect, or if anyone has more information, contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.
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