Grandparent Phone Scam Leads to Arrest

Region of Peel – Investigators from the 11 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau have charged a 25-year-old man from Whitby in relation to a grandparent scam that occurred in the City of Mississauga. 

On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., the victim, a 76-year-old woman from Mississauga, received a phone call from a male suspect claiming to be a lawyer. 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, 2023, to answer the charge.

Investigators believe that there may be more victims within the Greater Toronto Area.

If someone calls you claiming to be a lawyer or police officer, 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.

If you have a family member or friend that is a senior, share with them the fraud prevention tips found at https://www.peelpolice.ca/en/safety-tips/fraud-and-scams.aspx and 

www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

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.

For media inquiries, please contact the on-duty Media Relations Officer at (905) 453-2121, ext. 4027.

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N/R: 23-205
Inc: PR230224128

Peel Regional Police – A Safer Community Together
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