Thunder Bay, ON – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have made another arrest in connection with a sophisticated fraud ring that preyed on seniors across Canada.
Jahzion Holness-Edie, 24, of Waterloo, was arrested on October 9th and charged with:
- Participation in a Criminal Organization: This charge relates to Holness-Edie’s alleged involvement in a structured group engaged in criminal activities.
- Commission of an Offence for a Criminal Organization: This charge signifies that the alleged fraud was committed on behalf of or in connection with the criminal organization.
- Fraud Over $5,000: This charge relates to the significant financial losses suffered by victims of the scam.
If convicted, Holness-Edie could face substantial penalties, including potential imprisonment.
This arrest is part of “Project Sharp,” a 15-month investigation led by the OPP that involved 11 police services across Ontario and Quebec. The investigation targeted individuals involved in the “emergency grandparent” scam, which involves fraudsters contacting seniors by phone, posing as a grandchild or other family member in distress, and requesting urgent bail money.
What is the Grandparent Scam?
The “Grandparent Scam,” also known as the “Emergency Scam,” is a heartless fraud that preys on the love and concern grandparents have for their grandchildren. Here’s how it typically works:
The Scam:
- The Call: A grandparent receives an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be their grandchild. The caller often sounds distressed and may even use a voice-altering technique or background noise to make them less recognizable.
- The Story: The “grandchild” explains they are in trouble – a car accident, an arrest, a medical emergency – and desperately needs money. They plead with the grandparent not to tell their parents, fearing they’ll be angry or disappointed.
- The Urgency: The scammer emphasizes the need for immediate financial assistance. They may claim they need bail money, legal fees, or hospital bills. They often create a sense of urgency, pressuring the grandparent to act quickly.
- The Payment: The scammer instructs the grandparent to send money via wire transfer, gift cards, or even cash delivered by a courier. They may provide specific instructions on where and how to send the money.
- The Aftermath: Once the money is sent, it’s gone. The scammer disappears, leaving the grandparent heartbroken and financially devastated.
How to Protect Your Grandparents:
- Awareness: Talk to your grandparents about this scam. Explain how it works and emphasize that they should never send money to anyone without verifying their identity first.
- Questions: Encourage your grandparents to ask questions only their real grandchild would know the answer to. For example, “What’s your pet’s name?” or “What was the name of your first school?”
- Verification: Tell them to always verify the story with another family member before sending any money. Even if the caller begs them not to, they should insist on confirming the situation.
- No Secrets: Emphasize that there’s no shame in being cautious. Reassure them that you would never be angry if they checked with you about a concerning situation.
- Caller ID Spoofing: Explain that scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a trusted number.
- Report It: If your grandparents receive a suspicious call, encourage them to report it to their local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Remember: These scammers are skilled manipulators. They prey on emotions and use high-pressure tactics to get what they want. By educating your grandparents and encouraging open communication, you can help protect them from becoming victims of this cruel scam.
The scammers often employ “money mules” – unsuspecting couriers – to collect the funds from victims, who are often left emotionally traumatized and financially devastated.
“Emergency grandparent scams not only cause significant financial loss, but also inflict emotional trauma on victims,” said Detective Inspector Sean Chatland of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch. “It is crucial we address these frauds together, as many of our loved ones are vulnerable.”
Police urge anyone who suspects they have been a victim of this or any other scam to contact their local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
