Reports filed to Stratford police helped put an end to local grandparent scams by a Brampton man pretending to be a police officer.
The local police service received three complaints from three separate victims.
The first incident occurred January 12, when a victim received a phone call from a male identifying himself as a police officer. The victim was told that their grandson was arrested for a drug offence and bail was required to be paid for his release.
Arrangements were made for the scammer to attend the victim’s residence to be paid in cash. Later that day, the victim paid the scammer $8,400 cash.
The report was provided to police on Monday, shortly after 7:30 a.m., after the victim realized the incident was a scam.
The second victim was contacted by a male on Monday, with the same story. The victim was contacted at 11:30 a.m. Several hours later the scammer attended the victim’s address and was provided with $7,300 in cash. A call to the police was made later that afternoon after the victim spoke with her grandson and realized the incident was a scam.
Stratford police then received a call from a victim who had received a similar request for cash. The scammer was demanding payment of $7,000 for the release of the victim’s grandson. The victims, however, spoke with family prior to the scammer attending to receive the money and police were called.
The victim in the third incident reported that the scammer was to arrive within the hour to receive payment. Officers attended the area and located a male matching the description of the suspect.
Officers approached the suspect and made an arrest. The suspect resisted arrest but was placed in custody. The 18-year-old from Brampton is charged with three counts of fraud over $5,000, three counts of extortion, and one count of resisting arrest.
The male was held in custody to attend a bail hearing.
Police remind residents that grandparent scams such are common throughout Canada.
Stratford police would never contact anyone to demand money for the release of an arrested person. Community members are encouraged to share this information to help spread the word about these types of incidents and create education.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the police if, and when, similar incidents occur. You can call 519-271-4141 to file a report, or for advice on grandparent scams.
