BC man facing several charges after allegedly defrauding seniors

A British Columbia man has been hit with numerous charges after allegedly defrauding numerous people via a sophisticated bank card scam.

Yeral Jauvin Varona, 26, is facing six counts of identity theft, six counts of fraud under $5,000, one count of fraud over $5,000, two counts of identity fraud, and one count of disguise face with intent.

According to the Burnaby RCMP, the incidents took place in early 2024. In February, three people contacted police claiming that they had been the victim of a scam. In each case, the victims received a call from a man alleging to be from the bank. After informing them their cards were "compromised," he said a representative would come to their house and pick them up and investigate.

Two seniors lost $3,000 and $5,000, respectively, while the third managed not to lose anything after telling the suspect they would be confirming his statements with their bank, which caused him to flee the scene.

"We want everyone, including seniors, to be aware of this scam, especially given the in-person component," Cpl Mike Kalanj said at the time. "Never give personal or financial information to anyone you don't know, said with the Burnaby RCMP. If you have been the victim of a fraud similar to this, or any type of fraud, please contact police immediately."

After charges were filed against Varona, Kalanj noted that, "while we've moved this investigation to the court system, it is important to note that this type of scam is still occurring in the Lower Mainland."

Varona has since been released under "strict court-imposed conditions."