OPP warn of fraud scheme, elderly woman told to withdraw large sum

CAMPBELLFORD, Ont. – Provincial police in Northumberland are warning the public of a potential fraud scheme after an elderly woman was contacted by an unknown caller.

Police say the woman was contacted on Thursday by someone who said he was “testing employee honesty at her bank.”

The woman was allegedly asked to meet the caller at a location in Campbellford after being told to withdraw $4,900 from her bank account.

Police say the caller told the woman to tell the bank staff that the money was for a family emergency.

The woman didn’t go through with the transaction and instead called the police, who say they have notified local banks.

Police are warning residents that the fraud is being taken to “a different level” as the suspect is now asking for in-person meetings which could potentially lead to assault or robbery.