Police warn of 'grandparent scheme' targeting elderly women in Ontario has resurfaced
Two elderly Ontario women have been scammed out of tens of thousands of dollars in an elaborate phone scheme that has resurfaced in the last week, police say. A third woman was also contacted, but fortunately, no money was taken.
All three situations involved similar circumstances:
- Male caller claimed to be a police officer
- Elderly females living in rural areas targeted
- Bail money needed for "grandson" who has been arrested after police found drugs in the vehicle they were passengers in while on their way to get a COVID-19 test
- "Grandsons" talk to their grandmothers in a congested voice
- "Couriers" are sent to pick up the money
- Women are told to tell the bank that the money is needed for renovations
Police will never demand money to have someone who has been arrested released from custody, to pay a fine, or involve a courier company to pick up payment.
The two recent victims both lived alone, one was 73 years old and the other was 84.
In one case, the 84-year-old was duped out of $22,000. She received a call from a man claiming to be "Corporal Matheson" who said her grandson had been arrested after a minor car crash with his friend and drugs were found in the car.
"In order for him to be released, she had to provide $10,000 in cash. The female spoke to her grandson who told her he was sick and was on his way for a COVID-19 test when the accident occurred explaining why he was stuffed up. The female provided the money which was picked up by a courier," provincial police said in a news release Thursday. "The 'officer' called back the following day and informed her the charges were dropped but she would have to pay $12,000 for his fine. She did as instructed and a courier picked up the money."
The other woman was scammed out of $15,000 after someone claiming to be her grandson called her and said he had been arrested in the same situation.
"The female requested to speak to the officer and a male identified himself as 'Constable Johnston'. She was directed to withdraw $6,000.00 for bail which she did and was picked up by a courier. The following day the 'officer' told her an additional $9,000.00 would be required for the charges being dropped. The victim again obliged," police said.
When the third woman was contacted, the man claiming to be a police officer also used the name 'Corporal Matheson.' She told police that when she talked to the person pretending to be her grandson, he "sounded like him but was sick." He also claimed to be on his way for a COVID-19 test.
"She was directed to withdraw $8,000 and leave it under her doormat and a courier would pick it up," police said. "The 'officer' called for better directions to her house at which time she said she was phoning her granddad and the male hung up the phone. Money was not picked up."
If you or someone you know suspects to have been the victim of a scam, contact police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
B.C. man fighting for refund after finding someone living at Whistler vacation rental
Edwin Mostered spent thousands of dollars booking a vacation home in Whistler, B.C., for a group skiing trip earlier this year – or so he thought.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Collapsed Baltimore bridge span comes down with a boom after crews set off chain of explosives
Crews conducted a controlled demolition Monday to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in Winnipeg garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.
Mortgage companies could intensify the next recession, U.S. officials warn
U.S. officials worry the next recession could be intensified by a cascading series of failures in the mortgage industry caused by crashing home prices, frozen financial markets and soaring delinquencies.