The Saskatoon Police Service says it has made an arrest in connection to the Family/Grandparent Emergency scam.
The Economic Crime Section arrested a 25-year-old man Tuesday in the 400 block of Nelson Road. Investigators believe he is responsible for numerous instances of these kinds of scams dating back to last month. In each case, it was reported to investigators that victims handed over money to a man claiming to be a courier, bailiff, or bail bondsman.
Generally, the suspect has personal details regarding the victim’s family and friends upon initial contact. While it has not been confirmed, investigators believe this personal information might have been accessed online. The caller says they are your grandchild and that something terrible has happened, a car accident for example, and they need money because they are in jail.
The 25-year-old man has been charged with seven counts of Fraud Over $5,000. Additional charges could be laid as the investigation continues.
Police had said in a previous news release that a suspect consistently requested dollar amounts in the $9,000 to $9,800 range. More than $100,000 has been reported stolen since December 21st.
