Peel Regional Police said they have arrested one individual in relation to an alleged “grandparent scam” that saw a Mississauga man lose thousands of dollars.
On March 29, a 75-year-old Mississauga man received a phone call on his land line phone from a man claiming to be his grandson, police said.
According to police, the man said he was in trouble and needed his grandfather’s help. To further prove the situation, police said a second individual joined the call posing as a police officer.
That individual allegedly told the man his grandson needed $10,000 for bail and advised that a woman would attend his address and pick up the money, said police.
A short time after the phone call, it is alleged a woman picked up the money from the grandfather.
A few days later while watching TV, the grandfather saw a news report with a photo of the woman he handed the money to.
He also read an article about a local “grandparent scam,” before reporting the incident to 11 Division officers.
One day later on April 2, police said they arrested a 20-year-old Brampton woman and charged her with one count of fraud over $5,000.
The woman is scheduled to appear before the courts at a later date.
As a result, Peel police are reminding residents what to do if they receive a similar call indicating a family member is in trouble.
Residents should always verify the details of the situation with another family member and treat any request for money from unverified parties as suspicious, police said.
They are also reminding the community that if someone claims to be a lawyer, attorney or police officer, they will not ask for money or jewelry over the phone.
Residents with older family members who live alone or who have published phone numbers should make them aware of this fact and recent situation.
Anyone with information about a similar incident can speak with investigators at the fraud bureau by calling 905-453-2121 ext. 3335.
Originally sourced by Mississauga.com.
