Prince Edward OPP intercept grandparent scammers

Prince Edward OPP intercepted two individuals attempting to victimize a couple with the grandparent scam.

On Friday, Feb. 24, OPP received a report from a couple who advised falling victim to the fraudsters through the grandparent scam on the previous day. They lost $8,000 cash in an elaborate scam claiming a loved one was in trouble with law enforcement.

Later in the day, with the assistance of the East Region Community Street Crime Unit and OPP Canine Unit, officers intercepted two individuals who were attempting to further victimize the same couple requesting an additional $9,500.

Thanks to the Manager of Customer Service at TD Canada Trust, one person was able to thwart the fraudsters. When they attended the branch to attempt to withdraw $10,000 the employee started asking questions and suggested they think twice, directing them to the OPP for more information.

They called the OPP and subsequently, the two fraudsters were arrested while leaving the victim’s residence.

A 64-year-old from Montreal, and a 22-year-old from Saint-Leonard have both been charged with two counts each of fraud over $5,000. Both were held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on Feb. 25.

Police note that the victims caught on to the suspected fraud and took action. To avoid becoming a victim follow these tips:
Call the relative who is allegedly in trouble
Pump the brakes and ask more questions
Ask for credentials
Listen to the inner voice that says “this doesn’t sound right”
Criminal Justice System does not allow for someone to be bailed out of jail with cash or cryptocurrency
Be weary of any request to “not tell anyone”
Be cautious of the sense of urgency

Remember: legitimate agencies will never pressure you for information over the phone or demand money immediately.