The South Simcoe Police Service has helped a senior save a lot of money after arresting an apparent fraudster involved in a “grandparent scam”.
On Wednesday, January 4, at approximately 2:50 p.m., police received information that an 85-year-old innisfilAn Ontario woman was receiving calls from an unknown person that her niece was in jail and needed money for her loved one’s release.
Police say the man told the senior that someone would be at his house in an hour to pick up the cash, which was several thousand dollars.
Authorities say the victim, who was alone at the time, feared for her safety and told her sister, who called police.
Officers arrived on the scene and arrested a suspect before the victim could lose any money.
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Michael Noriega, 20, of Mississauga, Ontario, was charged with fraud of more than $5,000. He was released with a future court date.
Police say grandparent scams usually involve the victim receiving an unsolicited phone call about a loved one in trouble.
The South Simcoe Police Service is reminding residents who receive urgent, unexpected requests for money to be extremely vigilant and resist pressure to comply immediately.
He suggested that people disconnect the call and contact a family member to verify the story or call the police for help.
They say residents should never give personal or financial information to an unknown caller or anyone whose identity you have not confirmed.
Police are encouraging everyone to talk to the seniors in their lives and remind them about these scams.
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