Family Rallies Around Local Senior Who Fell Victim To $10,000 Scam

After a local senior fell victim to a scam that took $10,000 from him, his family is hoping to fundraise enough to restore his finances.

Photo courtesy of Tania Lamond.

In March, Darrell Lamond, 86, received a phone call from someone pretending to be his grandson crying and asking for money to cover a bails bond of $10,000 cash, according to family members.

Lamond’s grandson Carson was out of town for March break, so he thought he was in trouble and needed his help.

According to Lamond and his family the person on the phone sounded young and upset. The scammers informed him that on the drive the police had pulled them over on the way home and drugs had been found in the car. They said they needed the money to bail the friend out of jail and to keep Carson safe. The thieves convinced him that he was speaking with RCMP officers, and he was directed to go to his bank and get the money in cash and not tell anyone because there was a gag order in place.

A young black male came to Lamond’s residence to pick up the money and told him he would get his money back in a few days. When they did not return Lamond tried to phone them, with no answer.

The police have been notified, though it is believed scammers may have left town.

In hopes to recoup some funds lost during the scam Carson will be selling "I Love My Grandpa" t-shirts for $20 each, with proceeds from the t-shirts to help support his Grandpa Lamond.

To order a shirt email Carson Lamocars@gmail.com the t-shirt size (XS to 2XL), name, phone number and e transfer payment. Deadline for orders is April 9.

The family has also started a GoFundMe to help with funds.

Lamond’s daughter, Tania, notes that since his wife’s recent passing, his mind has been stressed and she believes that played a part in him falling prey.

In addition to the stress an heartache of loosing his wife, Lamond lives on a limited pension, has just paid for funeral expenses and is now out $10,000 in savings.

She hopes that in addition to easing the financial stress her father is going through, this GoFundMe will raise awareness of this scam and others like it, and encourage people to talk to seniors they know about how to protect themselves.

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