Seniors defrauded out of ‘significant’ sums of money in impersonation scam
Posted Sep 11, 2026 01:47:31 PM.
Police are analyzing two incidents that happened in Kanata where suspects identified themselves as an Ontario Provincial Police officer and a judge while talking to the victims about roofing work.
The situation has prompted police to warn residents after the impersonators defrauded seniors out of “significant sums of money.” Through the trust gained by the professional titles, the victims were convinced to provide tens of thousands of dollars for services that were not delivered as promised.
Officers are concerned that more people could be targeted, particularly older adults, which is why they are urging the public to be vigilant when people claim to be from government agencies, law enforcement or courts.
Police are reminding people that officers and judges don’t ask for payments or business services from members of the public. People should be wary of offers for home repairs, roofing work or other contracting services.
“If someone claims to be a police officer, government official, or judge and requests money or personal information, independently verify their identity by contacting the organization directly through publicly listed phone numbers,” the release notes.
Officials are asking anyone who believes they have been approached by suspects in the scheme to call police.
Grandparent scam involving gold
Last year, Ottawa police and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) warned the public about a scam where fraudsters are tricking elderly people into buying and shipping large amounts of gold to avoid financial loss.
Officials said they received two reports from older adults in Ottawa who were scammed into buying $500,000 worth of gold each.
Provincial police say the detachment in Norfolk County reported a similar case, with losses near $350,000.
“This scam is a new version of the ‘Grandparent Scam,’ where criminals previously claimed a loved one was in trouble and needed money for bail,” police said in a press release. “Now, the scam artists are telling victims that the only way to protect their money is to buy gold.”
Criminals use pop-up messages that appear to be from trusted sources on victims’ computers, convincing them their online financial information has been stolen. Once suspects gain the victim’s trust, they convince them to buy gold and arrange to pick it up. This, officials say, leads to “significant” financial loss.
The victims are told not to tell their family or bank.
“Those behind this type of scam are always changing their tactics, and we need to stay alert,” OPP media relations officers Bill Dickson said. “If you’re contacted by these criminals, don’t hesitate to report it to the police. You’re not alone.”
