Waterloo resident arrested in Canada-wide grandparent scam
Ontario Provincial Police have arrested a Waterloo, Ont. man who they believe is linked to a group that has been scamming vulnerable victims across Canada.
On Wednesday, officers arrested and charged 24-year-old Jahzion Holness-Edie with participation in a criminal organization, fraud over $5,000 and commission of an offence for a criminal organization.
The targets were seniors with a landline phone, who believed they were speaking with an officer or a lawyer who claimed the victim's grandchild or family member was in police custody.
Bail money was requested for the family member's release and, in most instances, unsuspecting couriers were used to collect large amounts of money from the victims.
Police said victims felt emotional distress and fear concerning the financial impact on their lives.
"These are people on fixed income. These are people that are already struggling, perhaps, with the challenging economy," said OPP Det.-Const. John Armit in an interview with CTV News Kitchener. "Some of these suspects, when they called and didn't get the money, they threatened to come and murder these people."
Investigators said there were 126 victims nationwide and more than $739,000 was stolen as part of the scheme. In total, 56 charges were laid and more than $500,000 was recovered.
There are now more than a dozen people who have been arrested as part of this scam.
On April 18, 2024, officers from 11 police services in Ontario and Quebec police announced the results of their 15-month-long investigation into the 'emergency grandparent' scam. They also received assistance from U.S. Homeland Security.
"Emergency grandparent scams not only cause significant financial loss, but also inflict emotional trauma on victims. It is crucial we address these frauds together, as many of our loved ones are vulnerable. We urge everyone to talk to at-risk loved ones and encourage victims to report incidents to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre," said OPP Det.-Insp. Sean Chatland, in a press release.
Holness-Edie has been released and is scheduled to appear in court in November.
Anyone who believes they may be the victim of similar scams is urged to contact their local police department.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Inflation is down, wages are up. Why are Canadians still frustrated with the economy?
The federal finance minister has been taking every opportunity to remind frustrated Canadians that after a bumpy pandemic recovery, the nation's economy is actually doing a lot better.
'It looks quite real': Two Ontarians lose money to fake phone scam
About 85 per cent of Canadians have a smartphone and once you have one they’re hard to live without. The latest smartphones can cost as much as $2,000, so if you’re trying to save money, make sure you don’t get caught in a fake smartphone scam.
America reaches Election Day and a stark choice between Trump and Harris
A presidential campaign marked by upheaval and rancor approached its finale on Election Day as Americans decided whether to send Donald Trump back to the White House or elevate Kamala Harris to the Oval Office.
New homeowners find skeleton in attic 15 years after previous occupant disappeared
Homeowners in France have discovered a skeleton in the attic of an outbuilding while undertaking renovation work.
B.C. ports shuttered as lockout takes hold in latest labour dispute
One of Canada's most vital trade arteries is cut off as employers at most of British Columbia's ports lock out their workers in a dispute involving about 700 unionized foremen.
Harris and Trump tie in Dixville Notch midnight vote to kick off Election Day
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former U.S. president Donald Trump have tied with three votes each in the tiny New Hampshire township of Dixville Notch, kicking off Election Day in one of the first places in the country to report its presidential preference.
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
Dutch police arrest a suspect in a botched art heist of Andy Warhol screenprints
Police arrested a 23-year-old man Tuesday on suspicion of involvement in a botched art heist at a gallery in the southern Netherlands targeting four valuable Andy Warhol screenprints.
Trudeau and Harris? Poilievre and Trump? Here's who Canadians think would work best with: survey
As Americans prepare to elect their next president on Tuesday, new data from the Angus Reid Institute suggests Canadians hold differing views as to which federal party leaders would be best suited to deal with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.