Public Advisory,
Fraud Alert,
Money recovered in "Grandparent Scam"
Date: Friday, May 05, 2023
Unit: Financial Crimes
Phone: 4168087300
Case #: 2023-983155
The Toronto Police Service would like to advise the public of money recovered in a "Grandparent Scam" and provide tips on how to avoid this type of fraud.
On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Toronto Police Service – Financial Crimes, with assistance from the relevant financial institution, intercepted transferred funds meant for fraudsters sent by an elderly victim of the “Grandparent Scam”.
It is reported that:
- on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the 78-year-old victim received a phone call from a person purporting to be their daughter.
- the female caller advised she had been in a car accident that resulted in injuries to a young boy, and had been arrested as a result.
- the female caller advised she needed money wired to her for bail.
- after the victim wired the requested amount, the female called her again and advised she required more money as the young boy injured in the accident had died. She was told there was a publication ban on the incident and not to tell anyone.
- the victim wired additional funds to the account as instructed but then became suspicious soon after and discovered the story was untrue and reported it to police.
The Toronto Police Service – Financial Crimes, with the cooperation of the relevant financial institution, recovered approximately $9,000, a significant portion of the wired funds.
The investigation is ongoing.
Toronto Police is requesting anyone who receives this type of call or solicitation to contact police. Police will never contact family members and request that money be sent electronically or in person for bail.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.
Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.
Stephanie Sayer for Detective David Coffey
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