Peel police have charged a 25-year-old man from Whitby in relation to a grandparent phone scam that occurred in Mississauga earlier this week.
On Tuesday between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., the 76-year-old victim from Mississauga, received a phone call from a male suspect claiming to be a lawyer, according to a police report. The suspect alleged the victim’s nephew was involved in a motor vehicle collision and was being held for bail. In order for their nephew to be released, the victim would have to pay over $8000.00. The victim confirmed her nephew was not in an accident, and police were subsequently contacted. At approximately 3:00 p.m., the accused attended the victim’s residence to retrieve the funds but was met by police and placed under arrest.
Ovie Damilila Efijemueh, a 25-year-old male resident of Whitby, was arrested and charged with fraud over $5000. He was released on an Undertaking and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on Thursday, August 3 to answer the charge.
Investigators believe that there may be more victims within the Greater Toronto Area and the Fraud Bureau has taken carriage of this investigation.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a similar incident, or anyone with information on this incident, is asked to contact the Fraud Bureau at 905-453–2121, extension 3335 or your local police service. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
Police say if lawyer or police officer calls you, they will not ask you for money, jewelry or cryptocurrency over the phone. Requests for money should be treated with caution, and an appropriate amount of due diligence should be practiced.
Police are also asking those who have a family member or friend that is a senior, to share with them the fraud prevention tips found at https://www.peelpolice.ca/en/safety-tips/fraud-and-scams.aspx and
