Quebec man arrested in alleged grandparent scam involving Winnipegger

Winnipeg police have charged a Quebec man in an alleged scam targeting a Winnipeg senior.

Police have charged a Quebec man in an alleged scam targeting a Winnipeg senior.

Police say it all started when the victim in their 80s got a call claiming a relative had been arrested.

They were told their loved one would go to jail if they didn’t pay them money.

A man came to the victim’s home and was given money. The victim later checked with family members, realized it was a scam and contacted police.

“Information reported to us by the victim in this case led directly to the arrest,” said Sgt. Trevor Thompson with the Winnipeg Police Services Financial Crimes Unit.

Winnipeg police say just five to 10 per cent of victims of these types of frauds will report the crime to authorities. However, investigators say the more reports they get, the more patterns they can recognize and investigate further.

That’s why they’re asking victims to come forward.

“We’re trying to overcome the hurdles of people being embarrassed or being ashamed to make these reports,” said Thompson. “The information they have is the key that unlocks the door for us to further the investigation.”

A 24-year-old man from Quebec is charged with fraud under $5,000 and two counts of failing to comply with probation orders.

He’s being held in custody. None of the charges have been proven in court.