Three people have been charged in connection with a criminal group targeting elderly people in the Durham area and the Toronto area.
The arrests come after more than 70 cases of “grandparent fraud” were investigated by the Durham Regional Police Office’s financial unit. The scam began when an elderly man received a phone call from someone posing as their grandson’s lawyer, investigators said.
According to police, the caller told the victim that their grandson was involved in a car accident and that a pregnant woman was injured. They would then ask for $ 9,000 in bail.
“The suspect will then arrange for a ‘servant’ or courier to come to the home to collect the money,” investigators said in a press release issued Wednesday. “Once the money is received, the older victim will receive another phone call informing them that the woman and / or baby have died and more money will be required.”
Police say they have detained three people in connection with at least seven incidents in the Durham region dating back to November 2021.
North York resident Daniel Karasira, 20, Newmarket resident Usman Oinaye, 24, and Scarborough resident Jamal Herbert, 20, have been charged with involvement in a criminal organization, $ 5,000 fraud and possession of proceeds of crime. .
Photos of Karasira and Oyeneye were released by police to ensure there were no more casualties.
The charges have not been proven in court.
Three suspected men face multiple charges of involvement in an elderly criminal group in the Durham region and the GTA.
Investigators from the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit are investigating more than 70 incidents of “grandparent fraud” across the region. pic.twitter.com/lXBfqM86fP
– Durham Regional Police (@DRPS) May 18, 2022
Investigators also remind residents to be “extremely careful” when they receive unexpected requests for money and to talk to a family member or trusted support counselor.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5321.
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