Province recoups defrauded funds as popular scam returns to Brandon
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/12/2023 (741 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Manitoba government will refund a portion of the money stolen in a scam targeted at vulnerable seniors, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said Thursday.
The government, through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund, will reimburse some of the 14 Manitobans who were defrauded last year by two Ontario residents, resulting in a total loss of $145,400 in what is commonly known as the “grandparent scam.”
“We are pleased to be able to get money back to the victims of this scam,” Wiebe said.
Brandon Police Service Const. Amanda Conway says individuals should refrain from disclosing personal information during unsolicited calls. (File)
“It is through the great work by the Criminal Property Forfeiture Branch and the Winnipeg Police Service that not only were the people responsible for this scam arrested, but money also returned.”
The scam unfolded over a 10-day period in July 2022, when the perpetrators masqueraded as grandchildren in dire legal straits, coercing victims into furnishing cash for their supposed release.
Victims were instructed to label envelopes containing cash with a specific file number. These envelopes were then retrieved from the victims’ homes by the scammers, but astute policing efforts resulted in the identification and capture of the offenders.
Winnipeg Police Service managed to recover $75,200 from eight different envelopes marked with the false file numbers, leading to the subsequent arrest and charging of the fraudsters.
“Scams like these can happen to anyone. The perpetrators are skilled in preying upon emotions, making these incidents particularly distressing,” Wiebe said. “Remember, legitimate authorities will never dispatch someone to collect money from your residence.”
Meanwhile, the Brandon Police Service issued an alert on Thursday about the resurgence of the “grandparent scam” within Brandon.
BPS Const. Amanda Conway told the Sun via email that the scam involves perpetrators falsely claiming a grandchild’s involvement in an accident and soliciting bail money purportedly required to help the child.
“Emergency scams prey on your fear of a loved one being hurt or in trouble,” she said. “Scammers claim to be someone you know and tell you they need money immediately.”
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said Thursday that the province will reimburse some of the 14 Manitobans who were defrauded last year by two Ontario residents, resulting in a total loss of $145,400. (File)
Individuals, she said, should refrain from disclosing personal information during unsolicited calls and are advised to promptly hang up if uncertain about the authenticity of the call. She added that it is important to inform friends and family about this scam to prevent further victimization.
BPS encourages anyone who may have fallen prey to these fraudulent schemes to promptly contact them at 204-729-2345.
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