Suspect in grandparent scam charged, police seek more victims
Posted Dec 19, 2025 10:27:02 AM.
Last Updated Dec 19, 2025 11:49:15 AM.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) have charged a suspect in a recent grandparent scam operation.
The 35-year-old from Quebec has been charged with fraud of $5,000.
Officials are crediting family members for their quick action after a grandfather was fooled by a prolific scam in Ottawa.
According to police, around 1:20 p.m. on Tuesday, officers got a call from a grandson concerned that his grandfather was being targeted by scammers. Police learned that earlier on Dec. 16, the senior received a call from a private number claiming to be a lawyer.
The poser told the senior that his grandson was in a vehicle collision and needed $6,000 for bail.
Police are releasing the suspect’s image as it’s belived victims might only recognize the person visually.
OPS stress and a press release “there is no need to feel embarrassed” and encourage anyone who may be a victim to come forward.
This is just one of several scams targeting seniors in Ottawa.
In April, police warned of a new version of the 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.
Tips from police to avoid scams
- 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 = scam.
- Don’t share personal info: No SIN, banking details, passwords, addresses, travel plans, or “confirming” information.
- Slow down: Scammers rely on panic + urgency (“right now,” “don’t tell anyone”). Take a breath and pause.
- 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.
