"Senior Scam" ATMs, Richard Earl Rupert Wanted, Photo

FRAUD INVESTIGATION                           C10-122117

 

On June 4^th, 2010, at approximately 5:00 p.m. Winnipeg Police Service Uniform officers responded to suspicious activity occurring at Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in the 300 block of St. Mary Avenue. 

 

The investigation has revealed that an elderly male had been withdrawing cash from the ATM, possibly under the direction of a suspicious male who was standing along side the elderly male. An alert employee recognized this scenario as a possible “Senior Scam” incident and notified police. 

 

Upon police arrival both the elderly male and the suspicious male were gone from the area. The suspicious male is described as:

 

• Caucasian male in his 40’s, who appeared “clean shaven”
• 5’5” to 5’6” with a medium build
• Short, dirty blonde hair with a receding hairline
• Wearing a blue/grey button up shirt, jeans, flip-flop sandals, and sunglasses pushed up on his head.

 

As a result of further investigation, it is believed that the suspect in this incident may be that of a male who is currently wanted by police for similar offences. As well as this, the Winnipeg Police Service Commercial Crime Unit also has connected two similar incidents which occurred in the City of Winnipeg last summer in relation to this individual. 

 

Richard Earl RUPERT, 54 years of age, is currently wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant for Fraud, and is responsible for similar incidents which have occurred in other jurisdictions across Canada. 

 

 

During the incidents, RUPERT befriends senior citizens and elderly persons, and convinces them he is a nephew or a distant relative. RUPERT then convinces the senior to withdraw or transfer money to assist him, usually for car repairs.

 

Bank employees are asked to be especially vigilant when dealing with customers who are senior citizens and accompanying by a male matching the above description.

 

These investigations are continuing by members of the Winnipeg Police Service Commercial Crime Unit. Anyone with information about the possible whereabouts of this male is asked to call the Winnipeg Police Service at 986-6222 or CrimeStoppers at 786-TIPS (8477).