Cobourg police issue scam alert after senior defrauded $100K

Cobourg Police Service station. /Sarah Hyatt photo

By West Northumberland Independent staff

The Cobourg Police Service is urging residents to exercise vigilance after a senior was defrauded for about $100,000 through a suspected home improvement scam.

According to police, the homeowner received an unsolicited phone call from an individual who claimed to be a representative of a company that maintains HVAC systems.

“A group of four people posing as workers attended the residence and suggested she have a heat pump installed,” said police. “The victim agreed and provided the group with a $5,000 deposit cheque for the work.” 

Following installation of a heat pump, the victim was repeatedly contacted by one of the individuals requesting additional payment, reported police.

“She subsequently was notified by her bank that an additional $95,000 had been debited from her account.”

The service said the investigation is still ongoing.

Police are urging residents to be cautious when dealing with unsolicited calls or door-to-door salespersons, particularly when involving home repairs, renovations or heating and cooling systems, as well those offering services or inspections.

Scammers often target seniors by creating a sense of urgency or trust. Police are urging family members to talk with their older loved ones about common fraud scams.