Ontario police have made another arrest in connection to a group involved in the notorious grandparent scam. The scam, which preys on the vulnerability of elderly individuals, has been a growing concern for law enforcement.
According to authorities, the suspect, whose identity has not been released, was arrested on Wednesday and is facing charges of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. This arrest comes after a lengthy investigation into a group that has been targeting seniors across the province.
The grandparent scam typically involves a phone call from someone pretending to be a grandchild in distress, asking for money to be wired to them immediately. The scammers often use personal information obtained through social media to make their story more convincing.
Police have warned the public to be vigilant and to never give out personal or financial information over the phone. They also advise individuals to verify the identity of the caller by asking personal questions that only their grandchild would know.
This latest arrest is a result of collaboration between multiple police services, including the Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Service, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The investigation is ongoing and police believe there may be more suspects involved.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to come forward and report it to their local police service. They also remind the public to educate their elderly loved ones about this scam and to regularly check in with them to ensure they are not being targeted.
The grandparent scam has been a growing concern for law enforcement, with reports of victims losing thousands of dollars to these fraudsters. Police are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and protecting vulnerable members of the community.