Fourteen individuals have been arrested in connection with a scam targeting seniors across Canada, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The suspects, who have not been named, are accused of carrying out a “grandparents scam” in which they would contact elderly individuals and pose as their grandchildren in need of financial assistance. The scam has been reported in various parts of Canada, including Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
The OPP’s Anti-Rackets Branch began investigating the scam in October 2020 after receiving multiple complaints from seniors who had fallen victim to the scheme. Through their investigation, they were able to identify and arrest 14 suspects, who are now facing charges of fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and possession of proceeds of crime.
According to the OPP, the suspects would typically contact their victims by phone and claim to be a grandchild who had been involved in an accident or legal trouble. They would then ask for money to be sent through wire transfers or gift cards, often using a sense of urgency to pressure the victims into complying.
The OPP is reminding the public to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or messages asking for money, especially from individuals claiming to be family members in need. They advise individuals to verify the identity of the caller by asking personal questions that only the real family member would know, and to never send money to someone they do not know or trust.
The investigation into this scam is ongoing, and the OPP is urging anyone who may have fallen victim to come forward and report it to their local police. They also encourage individuals to educate their elderly family members and friends about this type of scam to prevent further victims.
The OPP’s successful arrest of these 14 suspects serves as a reminder that law enforcement is actively working to protect the public from fraudulent activities. They are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and preventing others from becoming victims.
