Peel Regional Police have charged a Toronto man in connection with a grandparent scam that targeted individuals across Canada.
According to authorities, the scam began when one victim received text messages from an unknown number in June 2023. The sender claimed to be a family member, stating that their phone was damaged and they were using a friend’s phone. They then requested money for an unpaid bill, prompting the victim to transfer thousands of dollars to an email address.
“After contacting the legitimate family member, they realize they were a victim of a scam,” police stated in a news release issued on Sunday.
Further investigation led police to uncover another victim in British Columbia.
39-year-old Charles Junior Cleveland King was arrested on March 13 in connection with the scam. He faces charges of Fraud under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. These charges have yet to be tested in court.
Investigators suspect that there may be additional victims and urge anyone with information to contact their local police station or provide anonymous tips to Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians lost over $11.3 million to various versions of the grandparent scam last year.