OTTAWA - The Ottawa Police Service investigated a "Grandparent scam" scheme in progress and arrested an Ottawa man on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 in the 1700 block of Riverside Drive.

A male suspect called the victim, an 86-year-old man, last week identifying himself as his grandson, saying he was in need of money and asked for a loan of $10,000. During the week, the suspect attended the victim's residence identifying himself as a courier who was to deliver the money to the grandson. The suspect then made arrangements for a further loan of 5,000.00$ for the grandson.

On January 17, 2015, the victim called his actual grandson informing him that the additional $5,000 was ready for him to pick up.  The grandson alerted him that something was wrong as he had not made any demand for money. The grandson contacted police to report the incident.

As patrol officers attended the elderly man's residence to speak with him, he identified the suspect who was actually attending the building that day time to pick up the additional money ($5,000.00$). The suspect was arrested.

James D. GALL, 27 years old of Ottawa, is charged with:

  • Possess proceeds of Property or Thing Obtained by crime
  • Harassment by Repeated communication with person
  •  Fraud Exceeding $5000 / Specific victim
  • Attempt Fraud / Exceeding $5000

The Fraud Section wants to remind the public of fraud schemes and advises that you should be vigilant at all times over the phone and through the internet.  When it comes to your money, be particularly alert.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Ottawa Police's Fraud Section at 613-236-1222, ext. 5433. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477(TIPS), toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.