A couple from Quebec has been apprehended in connection with the “grandparent scam,” which led to a combined loss of $27,000 for two Saanich residents this week. The arrests were made at Vancouver International Airport, where a 26-year-old man from Montreal and a 24-year-old woman from Quebec City were taken into custody. They are set to appear in court in Richmond to face two counts of fraud each.
The grandparent scam typically involves someone posing as a grandchild or relative in distress, seeking financial assistance. While this scam is usually conducted over the phone, the perpetrators in Saanich went a step further by sending individuals to the victims’ homes to collect money.
Due to the significant financial losses experienced by Saanich residents and the broader public interest, Saanich police major-crime detectives worked diligently to gather evidence, support the victims, and promptly locate the two suspects, according to Insp. Damian Kowalewich.
Residents who believe they may have been targeted by the grandparent scam are encouraged to contact Saanich police at 250-475-4321 or their local police department.
