Charges laid in 'grandparent scam' Durham and GTA crime ring
Three people have been charged in connection with a crime ring targeting seniors in Durham Region and across the Greater Toronto Area.
The arrests come following an investigation into more than 70 incidents of "grandparent scams" by Durham Regional Police Service's Financial Unit. The scam begins when a senior receives a phone call from someone pretending to be a lawyer for their grandchild, investigators say.
According to police, the caller tells the victim their grandchild was involved in a car accident and that a pregnant woman was injured. They would then ask for $9,000 for bail.
"The suspect would then arrange for a 'bondsman' or courier to attend the home to pick up the money," investigators said in a news release issued Wednesday. "After the money was received the senior victim would receive another phone call advising the female and/or baby had died and more money would be required."
Police say they have taken three people into custody in connection with at least seven incidents in Durham Region dating back to November 2021.
North York resident Daniel Karasira, 20, Newmarket resident Usman Oyeneye, 24, and Scarborough resident Jahmal Herbert, 20, have each been charged with participating in a criminal organization, fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of a crime.
Photographs of Karasira and Oyeneye were released by police to ensure there are no further victims.
The charges have not been proven in court.
Investigators are also reminding residents they should be "extremely cautious" when receiving unanticipated requests for money and to speak with a family member or trusted advisor for support.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact Durham police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5321.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.