Fourteen individuals purportedly linked to an organized crime syndicate face multiple charges following a “grandparent scam” that saw 126 Canadians lose nearly $1 million, revealed Ontario Provincial Police.
Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns emphasized the emotional toll on victims, particularly seniors, who suffered not only financial loss but also enduring psychological anguish.
The scammers, posing as authorities, coerced victims into believing their relatives urgently required funds for bail or other expenses.
Predominantly targeting landline users aged 46 to 95, they exploited publicly available personal data to execute their schemes.
Despite arrests and the recovery of approximately $500,000, authorities suspect numerous unreported victims and stress the importance of skepticism towards urgent requests for money or personal information.
The case underscores the growing prevalence of financial fraud, urging vigilance among Canadians.