Suspect arrested as police foil alleged grandparent scam in Ottawa

Ottawa Police sign outside headquarters on Elgin St. in Ottawa. (CTV News Ottawa)

One person is in custody after the quick actions of family members and police officers prevented a grandfather from losing nearly $6,000 in a so-called ‘grandparent scam,’ according to police.

The Ottawa Police Service says a family member contacted police at approximately 1:20 p.m. Tuesday, concerned his grandfather was being targeted by scammers.

“Earlier that day, the senior had received a call from a private number from a man claiming to be his grandson’s lawyer,” police said in a media release.

“The caller stated that the grandson had been involved in a collision and required $6,000 for bail.”

Police say the grandfather believed the call was legitimate and travelled to the bank to withdraw the money. Family members were unable to reach the man because he had left home without his cellphone.

Officers later located the man at the bank and intervened before any money was withdrawn, according to police.

“Officers accompanied the senior back to his residence, where he was instructed by the scammer to call back once the cash had been obtained,” police said.

“While en route, the scammer continued to call, identifying himself as ‘Charles Golden,’ and later using the name of the senior’s supposed grandson. The caller insisted the situation remain secret, claimed a pregnant woman had been involved in the collision, and pressured the senior to provide bail money, promising repayment through the courts within two days.”

Police say shortly after the grandfather returned home, a man arrived at his residence claiming to be a “court-appointed trustee” sent to collect the money.

When he saw police officers inside the home, police said he attempted to flee.

“Following a brief foot pursuit, one man was arrested,” police said.

Police say investigators believe more victims were targeted in the Ottawa area on Tuesday. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300, or report online at ottawapolice.ca/report.

“These scams occur far too often and exploit people’s emotions and their desire to help loved ones,” police said.

Tips to prevent a scam

The Ottawa Police Service offers the following reminders to protect yourself and loved ones from scam.

• Never trust caller ID. It can be spoofed to look like police, a courthouse, a bank, or a family member.
• Use a “family safe word.” A simple word/phrase only your family would know. If they can’t answer it, end the call.
• Police/courts won’t demand payment by gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or courier pickups. Any of those are a scam.
• Don’t share personal info. No SIN, banking details, passwords, addresses, travel plans, or “confirming” information.
• Slow down. Scammers rely on panic and urgency.
• If you’ve sent money or info: act fast. Contact your bank/credit card company immediately, report it to police, and consider reporting to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.