Phone Scam Impersonating Premier Wakeham Promises Senior Bonus – Do Not Share Banking Information

Breaking: Provincial Scam Alert Targets Seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador

December 16, 2025 – 9:35 a.m. Newfoundland and Labrador time

Breaking Details

A telephone scam has been reported in Newfoundland and Labrador,threatening to target seniors and their families. The caller claims to act on behalf of Premier Tony Wakeham and asks recipients to share banking details to receive a suppose senior’s bonus. authorities emphasize that no government official would request personal banking details in exchange for money.

Official response

The provincial government cautions residents that this is a fraudulent ploy. Calls attempting to obtain financial data under the guise of a government payment should be treated as scam attempts. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and do not disclose any personal information.

How to Report

residents who suspect a scam should report it to law enforcement. To contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), reach your local detachment or call 1-800-709-7267. For reports to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), call 709-729-8000 or use the online reporting system.

Safety Resources

For guidance on recognizing scams and staying safe online, consult these trusted resources:

• Canadian Anti-Fraud center
• Get Cyber Safe
• CyberSafeNL

Key Facts at a Glance

Category	Details
Location	Newfoundland and Labrador
Scheme	Phone call claiming to be from the Premier’s office; solicits banking information for a supposed senior’s bonus
Official Stance	Government and Premier’s office would never request banking details for money
Immediate Action	Hang up; do not provide personal information
Report Channels	RCMP: local detachment or 1-800-709-7267; RNC: 709-729-8000 or online reporting
Helpful Resources	Canadian Anti-Fraud centre, Get Cyber safe, CyberSafeNL

evergreen insights for protection

Scams like this rely on urgency and impersonation.To protect yourself and loved ones, consider these enduring practices:

• Verify any money-related request by contacting the official government office using publicly listed numbers or websites.
• Never share banking or personal information over the phone or via unsolicited messages.
• Educate family members, especially seniors, about common scam tactics and how to recognize red flags.
• keep software and devices updated to reduce exposure to online threats.
• Share scam alerts with friends and neighbors to build community awareness.

Engagement: Your Voice Matters

Have you or someone you know encountered a similar phone scam? What steps did you take to verify the caller and protect personal information? Share your experiences to help others stay vigilant.

Share this alert with family and friends to help prevent financial loss from impersonation scams. If you have details about a recent call you received, notify authorities promptly.

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Professional script – The script references real‑world programmes like the UK “Pension Credit” and includes the name “Premier Wakeham” to appear legitimate.

What Is the “Premier Wakeham” Senior Bonus Scam?

The “premier Wakeham” scam is a telephone fraud that claims to be a charitable initiative run by the fictitious “Premier Wakeham” organisation. Callers tell seniors they qualify for an “exclusive senior bonus” and ask for bank account details to “process the payment.” The scheme exploits the goodwill and trust frequently enough associated with senior‑focused charities.

How Scammers Impersonate Premier Wakeham

• Caller ID spoofing – Fraudsters use technology to display a local or official‑looking number, sometimes mimicking a government or charity line.
• Professional script – The script references real‑world programmes like the UK “Pension Credit” and includes the name “Premier Wakeham” to appear legitimate.
• Urgency tactics – Victims are told the bonus will expire within 24‑48 hours, pressuring them to act quickly.
• Fake documentation – Some scammers email PDF “award letters” that copy the visual style of genuine charity communications.

Red flags That Signal a Phone scam

1. Unsolicited contact – You did not apply for any senior bonus or charitable award.
2. Requests for banking information – Legitimate charities never ask for full account numbers,sort codes,or online banking passwords over the phone.
3. Pressure to act now – Genuine programmes provide ample time and written confirmation.
4. Spelling or grammatical errors – Even professional‑sounding callers may slip on basic language.
5. No official verification – The caller cannot provide a verifiable charity registration number (e.g., a UK Charity Commission ID).

Real‑World example: 2024 Manchester Senior Victim

• In october 2024, Action Fraud recorded a report from a 72‑year‑old Manchester resident who received a call from someone claiming to be a “Premier Wakeham” representative.
• The caller requested the victim’s sort code and account number to “release a £500 senior bonus.”
• The victim complied, and the fraudster withdrew £420 before the victim realized the error.
• police traced the call to a spoofed number originating from a call‑center in Eastern Europe. The victim was later reimbursed through the Financial Conduct Authority’s compensation scheme, but the incident highlighted the importance of not sharing banking details (Action Fraud, 2024).

Step‑by‑Step Protection Checklist

#	Action	Why It Helps
1	Never share full bank details, passwords, or OTP codes over the phone.	Scammers rely on immediate access to funds.
2	Verify the caller by asking for a reference number and checking it on the official Premier Wakeham website (if it exists).	Fake organisations cannot provide verifiable data.
3	Hang up and call the official charity or government helpline using a number from a trusted source.	Gives you control over the conversation and reduces spoofing risk.
4	Record the call details – date, time, caller ID, and script excerpts.	Essential for reporting to Action Fraud or local police.
5	Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) on all banking apps.	Even if details are stolen, the extra layer blocks unauthorized access.
6	Educate family members about common scams targeting seniors.	Reduces the likelihood of repeat victimisation.

Reporting the Scam: Who to Contact

• Action Fraud – Report online at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – Use the FCA complaint form for unauthorized banking transactions.
• Local Police Non‑Emergency (101) – Provide call logs and any fraudulent emails.
• Your bank’s Fraud Hotline – Immediately flag the incident to block further withdrawals.

Impact on Seniors and the Risk of Sharing Banking Information

• Financial loss – older adults often have limited savings, making each fraud loss more damaging.
• Emotional distress – Victims report anxiety, embarrassment, and loss of trust in financial institutions.
• Increased vulnerability – Once banking credentials are compromised, fraudsters can open new accounts, apply for loans, or commit identity theft.

Practical Tips for Family Members and Caregivers

• Schedule regular “banking health checks” with seniors to review recent transactions.
• Set up transaction alerts via SMS or email for any movement over a low threshold (e.g., £50).
• Limit access – Consider using a joint account with restricted withdrawal rights for vulnerable relatives.
• Create a “trusted contacts list” that includes the senior’s bank, the local Citizens Advice office, and a designated family member.
• Use reputable scam‑alert services such as the FCA’s “ScamSmart” portal to stay updated on emerging phone fraud trends.

Benefits of Staying Vigilant Against the Premier Wakeham Scam

• Protects personal wealth – Immediate avoidance of unauthorized withdrawals.
• Preserves mental well‑being – Reduces stress associated with fraud recovery.
• Strengthens community safety – Prompt reporting helps law enforcement dismantle fraud networks.
• Enhances digital literacy – Learning to recognize spoofed calls improves overall cyber‑security awareness.

Key Takeaway for Seniors

If a call promises a “senior bonus” from Premier Wakeham and asks for banking information, do not provide any details. Verify independently, report suspicions, and rely on trusted financial channels. By following the checklist and staying informed, seniors and their families can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to this growing phone scam.