Police Continue Search For Alleged Scam Artist Who Preys On Seniors

For the past six months Toronto Police have been trying to track down a suspect alleged to have defrauded seniors across the country and authorities are warning bank employees to be vigilant when serving elderly clients accompanied by a man matching the alleged fraud artist’s description.

A Canada-wide warrant was issued for the arrest of 54-year-old Richard Earl Rupert in January on various charges including robbery, break and enter and fraud. Detectives from several police forces, including Ottawa, Niagara, Waterloo and London, are involved in the investigation.

Authorities claim the suspect preys on the elderly, visiting retirement homes and senior communities claiming to be a distant relative, usually a nephew. He’s allegedly defrauded as many as 20 people across Canada by convincing them to provide him with money for rent, travel or car repairs.

Police say the suspect comes across as very polite and well-mannered and goes by several aliases, but often uses his first name, Richard. He frequents bingo halls and stays in motels, bed and breakfasts and occasionally sleeps at hostels, authorities said.

This week authorities in Winnipeg received a tip about an alleged senior scam when someone spotted an elderly man withdrawing cash at an ATM accompanied by a man matching Rupert’s description.

On Thursday Toronto Police issued a release advising bank employees to be cautious when serving seniors accompanied by a man with the following description:

  • White
  • 5’5”-5’6”, 140-160lbs.
  • Short, dirty-blond-grey hair with a receding hairline
  • He has a reddish complexion with chiseled cheekbones, hazel eyes and is usually clean-shaven

If you have any information call Toronto Police at (416) 808-3200 or Crime Stoppers at (416) 222-TIPS.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today