Ottawa Police have successfully intercepted an alleged grandparent scam, leading to the arrest of a suspect. The incident, which occurred on December 17, 2025, highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to protect vulnerable seniors from financial fraud.
How the Scam Was Thwarted
Authorities moved quickly to prevent the fraudulent scheme from reaching its conclusion. While specific details of the police operation remain under investigation, the intervention stopped the transfer of funds from the intended victim. The suspect was taken into custody without incident, marking a significant victory for the Ottawa Police's fraud prevention units.
The Persistent Threat of Grandparent Scams
Grandparent scams, also known as emergency or grandchild scams, are a cruel form of fraud that preys on the emotions of seniors. Scammers typically contact an older adult, pretend to be a grandchild in distress, and urgently request money for bail, legal fees, or medical bills. The criminals often instruct the victim to withdraw cash or purchase gift cards and hand them over to a courier.
These scams have been a persistent problem across Canada, causing significant emotional and financial harm. The arrest in Ottawa serves as a critical reminder for families to discuss these scams with elderly relatives and establish verification protocols for any emergency calls requesting money.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family
Police advise the public to be vigilant. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a family member in an emergency, hang up and call the family member directly using a known, trusted number. Never provide personal information or send money based on an unsolicited, urgent request. Always verify the story with other family members before taking any action.
The Ottawa Police continue to investigate this case. They encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a similar fraud to contact the Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit or their local law enforcement agency immediately.
