Family throws fundraiser for Montreal senior scammed out of $50,000

A Montreal family has organized a fundraiser after their loved one lost $50,000 to a phone scam.

An 89-year-old woman from Vaudreuil is on the brink of losing her home after falling victim to a scam that she says cost her more than $50,000.

Diane Riley lives with her children, Patricia and Michael, who both have special needs, at an assisted living facility.

In February, Riley says she received a phone call from someone claiming to be part of an anti-fraud squad.

She says the caller told her that her bank account had been compromised and assured her that someone would come to collect her bank cards.

“They really sounded professional on the phone,” said Riley.

Soon after, Riley says she was scammed out of thousands of dollars.

Riley also realized that her rent cheques were bouncing and was at risk of losing her home.

Her niece, Emily Riley, says the situation is stressful.

“Could you imagine being 89 years old and having two kids with special needs in their 60s? And it’s not like tomorrow they can pick up and find a new place to live,” she said.

Riley says she felt ashamed and did not tell her family about the problem until months later.

“You feel embarrassed that you let yourself get scammed,” said Riley.

Riley says the family filed a police report, but despite understanding from the assisted living facility, she says she still needs to make up the missed payments.

In response, her family created a GoFundMe and organized a fundraiser event to raise the necessary funds.

“I lost a lot of money, so now I’m trying to recuperate,” said Riley.

The fundraiser started on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at BLVD Bar & Grill in Châteauguay.