Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre supports OPP in major grandparent fraud investigation

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre played a vital support role in assisting the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) with a major investigation into a sophisticated grandparent fraud operation. This type of fraud targets elderly Canadians by exploiting their love and concern for their grandchildren. The typical scenario involves criminals calling seniors and impersonating their grandchild or a legal authority figure (lawyer, police officer). They claim the grandchild has been arrested or is in legal trouble and needs immediate financial help for bail, legal fees, or to avoid prosecution. The scammers create a sense of urgency and panic, instructing victims not to tell anyone and to withdraw large amounts of cash or purchase gift cards. In many cases, a 'courier' is sent to the victim's home to collect the money. This particular investigation involved multiple victims across Ontario who collectively lost significant amounts of money. The CAFC's role included collecting and analyzing fraud reports from across Canada, identifying patterns and trends, sharing intelligence with the OPP, and helping connect related cases. The collaboration led to arrests and criminal charges. This case highlights the importance of reporting fraud to the CAFC, even if no money was lost, as every report helps build the intelligence picture. To protect yourself and loved ones from grandparent scams: verify the caller's identity by hanging up and calling your relative directly, be skeptical of urgent demands for money, never send money or gift cards to someone claiming to be in legal trouble without verification, and talk to family members about these scams.