Police looking for more elderly victims of fraud
People watched as they used PIN, then had their credit card stolen
Police are looking for more victims of fraud artists who are alleged to have defrauded elderly Montrealers of more than $150,000 over several months.
Two suspects, Dinica Dinulescu and Ana Luiza Nistor, appeared in Quebec Court last Thursday to face charges of fraud over $5,000, credit card theft, break and enter and conspiracy.
Investigators are also looking for two more suspects connected to a string of crimes committed between July and October of this year.
Montreal police say the fraud suspects allegedly stole from their victims through various purchases and bank withdrawals
Police also believe there could be more victims who have yet to come forward.
Police allege the suspects targeted their victims in public places, then followed them after finding out their PIN (personal identification number) during a credit card or debit transaction.
According to police, the victims were then followed to their homes where they were approached by two other suspects, usually a couple. The couple used different pretexts — claiming to be lost and asking for directions — to distract the victims and steal their credit or debit cards.
Anyone who was a victim of the suspects is asked to go to the nearest police station or call 911 to make a formal complaint.
Police also offered some prevention tips:
Never disclose your credit card number over the phone unless you initiated the transaction.
When you enter your PIN at a store or automated teller machine (ATM), form a screen with your body or hand to foil prying eyes.
Be wary of strangers who approach you.
Check the information on your receipts and your monthly bank statement to identify any anomalies.
In case of loss or theft, immediately cancel your credit cards with your financial institution.