A Brampton has been charged with fraud and police are searching for his accomplice in connection with a York Region grandparent scam.
The investigation began last July after a man reported he had received calls from someone pretending to be a police officer who told him his grandson had been arrested for drugs and needed money for bail, according to a news release. The victim complied and a courier was sent to collect $6,000 cash from him.
Later that same day, a man called again stating a gun was located in the vehicle in which the grandson had been and an additional $7,000 was required. Realizing this may be a scam, the victim called police.
Following a two-month investigation, officers with the York Regional Police financial crimes unit identified and charged 20-year-old Markell London of Brampton with fraud over $5,000.
Investigators are releasing images of a man in connection with the fraud and are asking for the public’s help in identifying him.
Suspect Description:
- Male, Black
- 20 to 25 years
- 5’9”, 150 lbs.
- Black hair
- Medium build
A list of ongoing scams, including grandparent scams, as well as tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, are available at yrp.ca/fraud.
Crime Prevention Tips:
- Never offer personal or financial information to someone over the phone
- Call the grandchild or family member in question, at a phone number you recognize as their own
- Ask the caller personal questions that only your grandchild could answer but an imposter could not
- Verify the story or information with family first
- Press the caller for details if they identify as a government official and verify their information
- Please take some time and ask yourself: “Could this be a scam?” “Does it make sense?”
We encourage citizens to share fraud prevention tips with friends and family, especially seniors or newcomers to Canada, who are frequently the targeted victims.
If you have been a victim of a fraud and have lost money, report the incident promptly to the York Regional Police financial crimes unit either online at yrp.ca/ReportIt or by calling 1-866-876-5423. To report frauds where no money has been lost, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6612 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
