BEWARE OF THE GRANDPARENT SCAM

Police are alerting the public to the grandparent scam after a 75-year-old man was defrauded by someone claiming to be his grandson.

The suspect said he was in trouble and that the man had to speak to a police officer. Another male suspect then came on the phone claiming to be a police officer and said that his grandson needed $10,000 for bail and that a woman would pick up the money. A short time later, the female picked up the money from the victim.

A couple of days later, the man saw a news report with a photo of the woman he gave the money to and an article talking about a “grandparent scam”. He reported the incident to Peel Police.

The investigators arrested a 20-year-old woman from Brampton for Fraud Over $5000.

Peel Regional Police would like to remind residents that if they receive a call similar to this, they should verify the details of the request through another family member. Any requests for money by unverified parties on the phone should be treated with suspicion.

A lawyer/attorney or police officer will not ask you for money/jewellery over the phone.

Residents with elderly family members who live alone, or have published phone numbers, should make them aware of this.

 More info on Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the Peel Regional Police website. Call the Fraud Bureau at 905- 453–2121, ext. 3335 to report a scam.