Bracebridge OPP has arrested a Quebec resident in relation to a grandparent scam.
Police received a call Tuesday from a potential victim in Gravenhurst who had been contacted by someone claiming to be his grandson, saying he had been in a collision and needed “a significant sum of money to avoid charges,” OPP stated in a news release.
Someone claiming to be a lawyer then got on the phone, and arrangements were made to attend the victim’s home to get the cash. After hanging up, the victim realized it was a scam and called police.
Officers went to the residence and arrested Reda Ahaouaze, 19, of Montreal, who was charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. Ahaouaze was held for a bail hearing and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge.
“Scammers use high-pressure tactics, such as claiming an emergency or injury of a loved one, to create an emotional response in potential victims,” police said. “Bracebridge OPP encourages people to slow down when receiving such a call and not make any decisions until steps have been taken to verify that the information is true.”
