The Owen Sound Police Service was contacted by a Grey County woman, who indicated that she had befriended somebody on Facebook and as a result had sent them a total of $12,000.

The 74 year old woman indicated that in May of this year she had lived in Owen Sound and had began chatting with someone who portrayed themself to be a man from California. The deceitful individual claimed to have gone to France in order to work and had his supplies held by Customs. As a result, starting in August she was asked to send him money on several occassions.

The victim was asked to send the money to different people at different locations. Each time the woman was asked, she sent the money thinking that she was helping the individual that she had befriended in May. On Monday she was asked to send $75,000 and as a result contacted police for advice.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website this type of "Emergency Scam" has been around for years. If you want to report a fraud or if you need further information contact the Owen Sound Police Service at (519) 376-1234 or The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Toll Free at 1-888-495-8501.

source: media release, Owen Sound Police