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Internet scams: Who is responsible?
- April 6, 2010 2:17 PM |
- By POV
An 86-year-old Vancouver fraud victim has taken a stand against Canada's biggest bank, saying her Royal Bank branch shouldn't have allowed her to withdraw $10,000 on her Visa card to give to a scam artist with no questions asked.
"I'm horrified -- because I don't know how I can handle this financially," said Marjorie Buchanan. "I don't have a car. I don't own a home. I have no money. I don't think they are very smart as bankers -- if they give me thousands of dollars in credit."
Buchanan was a victim of what RCMP say is one of the top three hoaxes in Canada, known as the "grandparent scam." Con artists -- posing as grandchildren -- call seniors, asking them to send money for an emergency. Hundreds of seniors have been victimized across North America.
Buchanan has since asked RBC to forgive the credit card debt. Police also contacted the bank on her behalf. Buchanan said she was told by RBC she would still have to pay in full.
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"I'm horrified -- because I don't know how I can handle this financially," said Marjorie Buchanan. "I don't have a car. I don't own a home. I have no money. I don't think they are very smart as bankers -- if they give me thousands of dollars in credit."
Buchanan was a victim of what RCMP say is one of the top three hoaxes in Canada, known as the "grandparent scam." Con artists -- posing as grandchildren -- call seniors, asking them to send money for an emergency. Hundreds of seniors have been victimized across North America.
Buchanan has since asked RBC to forgive the credit card debt. Police also contacted the bank on her behalf. Buchanan said she was told by RBC she would still have to pay in full.
Read more:
Take our poll.
(This poll is not scientific. It is based on readers' votes.)
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