Two teenagers from Milton are facing multiple charges following an investigation into a grandparent scam that cost a Pelham resident a significant amount of money.
Niagara Regional Police say officers responded to a fraud call at a Pelham address in September, after a resident reported being victimized in the scam.
The investigation revealed the victim received a phone call on September 3rd from someone pretending to be their nephew. The caller claimed to have been arrested while being driven home by an acquaintance and needed money for bail.
The victim was instructed to withdraw money and arrange for a courier to collect it from their home. A male working for a legitimate courier and delivery company attended the residence and collected the package, unaware it contained proceeds of crime. The money was subsequently delivered to one of the suspects.
The following day, the victim received another call from the same individual requesting additional money for legal expenses. After arranging for another courier pickup, the victim contacted their actual nephew to coordinate a different pickup time. It was then that the nephew confirmed they had never been arrested or requested money, prompting the victim to contact police.
Detectives took over the investigation and determined the legitimate courier service had been requested by someone in the Milton area. Investigators subsequently identified two male suspects.
On Saturday, November 7th, a 17-year-old Milton boy was arrested and charged with:
- Fraud Under $5,000
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Attempt to Commit Indictable Offence (Fraud)
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Possess Card Not Authorized (two counts)
- Possess Identity Document
- Possession of Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Possess Counterfeit Money
A second suspect, a 16-year-old Milton boy, was arrested on Sunday, November 8th, and charged with:
- Fraud Under $5,000
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Attempt to Commit Indictable Offence (Fraud)
Both accused were released with future court dates. Their identities cannot be disclosed under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, grandparent scams involve fraudsters impersonating relatives who claim to be in an emergency and urgently require money. Common scenarios include claims of an arrest requiring bail money or involvement in a car accident. Scammers may also impersonate police officers or lawyers and use threats, urgency or claims of a gag order to discourage victims from discussing the situation.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of fraud is encouraged to contact their local police service.
For more information on fraud prevention, click here.
