14 emergency grandparent scammers charged
Fourteen individuals in Montréal linked to the emergency grandparent scam that targeted victims across Canada, most of whom lived in Ontario, have been arrested.
In September 2022, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch began an intelligence probe into a group involved in the fraud.
In February 2023, the probe was formalized as an OPP Criminal Investigation Branch-led joint forces operation known as Project Sharp, and consisted of 11 Ontario and Quebec police services in total.
"Our dedicated officers tirelessly pursued justice in this complex investigation by working diligently to investigate, disrupt and dismantle the criminal organization targeting vulnerable individuals across the country," said OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns. "Frauds can cause significant emotional and financial distress to the victims, and our officers remain steadfast in their mission to safeguard our communities."
Though victims were located across Canada, the majority of the targeted individuals live in Ontario, with an age range of 46 to 95 years old.
Aimed at seniors with a landline telephone, the group using the emergency grandparent scam pretended to be an officer or a lawyer. It claimed to have the victim's grandchild or family member in custody. They would request bail money to secure the victim's family member's release.
In most cases, money mules or unsuspecting couriers were used to collect the money. The victims were instructed not to speak to anyone due to a 'gag order' they said was in effect. Since February 2022, the group of suspects has been responsible for over $2.2 million in reported losses Canada-wide.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
This year, from January 22 to April 8, 126 identified victims lost approximately $739,000 to the organized crime group running the fraud.
Of these 126 victims, 15 were re-victimized multiple times, losing more than $243,000. Investigators have worked with financial institutions and the Canadian Bankers Association to prevent or recover more than $559,000 in losses.
As a result of the investigation, 14 individuals were arrested, and 56 charges were laid.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of the emergency grandparent scam or any fraud is urged to contact their local police, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Oh my God, you're my brother': Man in his 70s discovers 6 unknown siblings
After receiving a DNA kit one Christmas from his son-in-law, Hugh McCormick soon discovered that he had six unknown siblings, with whom he shared the same birth parents.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Rates of cancer declining in Canada, but more work needed to save lives: projections
A new study projecting declining rates of cancer cases and deaths in Canada demonstrates the success of prevention and early detection programs, but also highlights areas where more work is needed to save and prolong lives, researchers say.
DEVELOPING Trump trial arrives at a pivotal moment: Star witness Michael Cohen is poised to take the stand
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
India's mammoth election is more than halfway done as millions begin voting in fourth round
Millions of Indians across 96 constituencies began casting their ballots on Monday as the country's gigantic, six-week-long election edges past its halfway mark. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third straight term with an eye on winning a supermajority in Parliament.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.