Man charged in Ottawa based grandparent scam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 10, 2023        1:05 pm

(Ottawa) – On May 5^th, a woman in her 70s was contacted by phone and advised that her grandson was in trouble with the police, and that she needed to pay $10,000 for his bail.

She agreed to pay, and an unknown man went to her home to collect the money.

Days later, the woman was contacted once again, and asked for another $10,000. Alarmed, the woman contacted her son, and he called the Ottawa Police.

Frontline patrol officers attended the woman’s address and waited for the unknown man to come to pick up the 2^nd payment of 10,000 dollars and arrested him.

The Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit charged Kevin AIFUWA, 18 years old, of Laval, with Fraud exceeding $5000.

If someone calls and says they are representing a police service like the RCMP or the Ottawa Police, look up their phone number and call them directly to verify any information. If you can’t find a number, call 211, they can help, and ask them to connect you with the actual police service.

It’s always a good idea to call a trusted family member to discuss suspicious phone calls from strangers.

You can read more Ottawa Police Grandparent scam tips online or visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for more information on this and other scams.

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