Sudbury, Timmins residents defrauded of $40K in two days in grandparent scam

In a news release Thursday, Greater Sudbury Police said they received the reports Sept. 24 and Sept. 25 in what they are calling a grandparent scam. (File)

A man posing as a lawyer for loved ones involved in a collision stole $28,000 from three Sudbury residents in just the past two days.

And two more victims fell to the same scam in Timmins, losing $12,000 on Sept. 25, police in that city said. No word yet on whether the cases are connected.

In Sudbury, Greater Sudbury Police said they received the reports Sept. 24 and Sept. 25 in what they are calling a grandparent scam.

"In all three instances, community members were contacted by fraudsters claiming to be the lawyer of a family member who was involved in a collision," police said in the news release.

"The fraudster claims to need the money for lawyer fees to represent the family member in court. The fraudster then attends the individual’s residence to collect the money."

Victims of the scam paid at least $5,000 and as much as $15,000 to the man who showed up at their door, police said.

The fraudster is described as being 5-foot-5 and was wearing a black surgical mask and a black suit.

Anyone with information related on these cases is asked to call police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-8477.

Similar incidents have taken place in Timmins in recent days, police said in a separate news release.

Det. Sgt. Kathryn Beatty told CTV News in an email two cases of fraud took place Sept. 25, with the victims losing $12,000 in a similar manner as the victims in Sudbury.

"The incidents are still under investigation, so at this time, I cannot speak to whether or not the incidents are linked," Beatty said.

"The suspect told the victims that their family members had been arrested by police," Timmins police said.

"They demanded payment for bail and legal representation. The suspect used a sense of urgency to convince the victims that they needed to act immediately. Arrangements were made for the suspect to attend the victim’s residence to retrieve a quantity of cash."

Timmins said they are very concerned and reminded residents that suspects normally don't have to pay fees up front to be released from custody.

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"Police will not ask for cash, cryptocurrency or other forms of payment such as gift cards," police said.

Police in Sudbury urged residents to speak with "parents or grandparents who do not have regular access to the internet or social media, please take the time to have a conversation with them about scams."

"To protect yourself and your loved ones always take time to verify the story. Scammers are counting on you wanting to quickly help your loved one in an emergency."

When faced with a similar claim, police said residents should always call their child or grandchild to confirm their whereabouts.

Never send or give money to anyone you do not know or trust and never give out personal information -- including your address -- to unknown individuals calling your home or cellphone.