Montreal residents charged with defrauding 'grandparent scam' victims of $46,000
Ottawa police say a man and a woman from Montreal are facing fraud charges in connection with so-called “grandparent scams” that have allegedly defrauded victims of more than $46,000.
The fraud involves someone calling an elderly person and claiming to be a grandchild who is in serious trouble and needs money immediately, usually for bail. The caller is often pretending to be crying, making it harder to understand them, and there is a sense of both urgency and secrecy around the demands. The targets are then encouraged to withdraw cash, which is later picked-up by a courier.
Ottawa police say they’ve received 10 reports of such scams in recent months, with victims losing more than $100,000.
An investigation by Ottawa police and Morrisburg OPP resulted in two people being charged in connection with five reported events.
Jason Goulet-Fernandez, 22, and Danielle Jimenez-Golez, 19, are facing charges of fraud over $5,000, possession of proceeds obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit and indictable offence. Both were scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.
Police released photos of the accused Tuesday, in order to identify any other possible victims. Police also said the suspects were using a black, four-door 2007 Honda Civic bearing Quebec plate Z15 XPL.
Anyone with information about these incidents or may have been a victim of fraud is asked to contact the Organized Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5292.
Sgt. Chantal Arsenault of the Ottawa Police Service organized fraud section says the grandparent scam is very devastating to victims.
"These fraudsters are very convincing, and they will prey on your fear," Arsenault said. "If this is happening to you, you really need to stop and question if this is real. You need to make the phone call to your grandchild or your sons and daughters before giving out any money. If in doubt, call the police, call a friend, or neighbour."
Arsenault says if you have any elderly parents, grandparents, friends or neighbours, talk to them about the risk these scams pose.
"You need to make them aware that this is happening," she said.
She added that if you fall victim to a scam, it's important to tell police.
"We understand that this can be extremely upsetting and some people may be embarrassed to report it but please report it. It might help solve other cases and lay more charges."
--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Katie Griffin.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
BREAKING Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.