Sunday, November 14, 2010

“Grandparent Scam” Investigation results in Arrest of Suspect


The Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau has just completed an ongoing investigation in a “Grandparent Scam”, also known as the “Emergency Scam”.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested and charged with a total of 39 counts of Fraud.

The suspect appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on October 27.

The investigation started in 2009 and continued until the end of October this year.

The scams have been conducted in similar procedures in several complaints to the Peel Regional Police.

The victims receive a phone call from the suspect, who claims to be the victim’s grandchild or relative. The suspect persuades the victim that they are in trouble and want money to be sent to them immediately. They then request money to be sent via Western Union without other family members knowing about the transactions.

“There are numerous victims who reside across Canada and in the United States,” said the Peel Regional Police in a news release about the arrest.

The Police also reminded the public to first call a real family member to verify the need for an urgent money transaction when they receive similar calls for help.

Anyone with information about similar fraud cases is advised to contact the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3335.

Persons who wish to remain anonymous could call Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting their website at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.



No comments:

Post a Comment