Grandparent Scam

Protecting the Seniors of Parc-Extension from Fraud
Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist

In October 2023, the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) arrested a 33-year-old man from Saint-Jérôme for his alleged involvement in a fraud network targeting seniors. Last week, he was sentenced to 36 months in prison.
The SPVM’s Economic Crimes Section gathered evidence proving that the individual acted as a “money mule” in at least a dozen cases of “grandparent scams” between August 29 and September 29, 2023. In total, he managed to extract nearly $60,000 from his victims, all of whom were Montreal residents. The fraudster was apprehended on October 4, 2023, in the Laurentians and later appeared in Montreal court to face charges of fraud over $5,000, contrary to section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
How the Scam Worked
The fraudsters would call seniors, pretending to be a grandchild or a nephew in urgent trouble—usually claiming to be in jail and needing money quickly for bail. After the emotional plea, an accomplice would show up at the victim’s home to collect cash or bank cards.
An investigation is ongoing in collaboration with other police departments to identify and arrest additional members of this criminal network.
Protect Yourself: Fraud Prevention Tips for Parc-Extension Residents
As we observe Fraud Prevention Month, the SPVM’s Economic Crimes Section offers the following advice to help seniors in Parc-Extension avoid falling victim to these scams:
Be Wary of Unfamiliar Calls: If someone calls claiming to be a relative and asks if you recognize them, do not answer directly. Ask them to identify themselves instead.
Ask Personal Questions: Challenge the caller with questions only your real relative would know—such as their place of birth or a specific family memory.
Verify Before Acting: Request a callback number or suggest that you will call them back after verifying the information. If in doubt, hang up immediately.
Check with Trusted Contacts: Before making any decisions, contact a family member, a trusted friend, or your local police station—even if the caller insists that you keep it a secret.
Do Not Transfer Money: Never send money or hand over bank cards, even if the caller pressures you and says the situation is urgent.
Remember Your Rights: No one can force you to give money—not even a relative. You have the right to say no.
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know in Parc-Extension has been a victim of fraud, you can get help and file a report by contacting your local police station. In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
You can also reach out to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or by visiting their website at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.