NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE SERVICE
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The South Simcoe Police Service has charged a Mississauga man after an Innisfil senior was targeted in a grandparent scam fraud.
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at approximately 2:50 p.m., police responded to a report of an 85-year-old Innisfil woman receiving calls from an unknown man saying her niece was in jail and money was required for her loved one’s release. The man told the senior someone would be at her home in an hour to pick up the cash, which was several thousand dollars. The victim was alone at the time and fearing for her safety, told her sister, who called police. Officers attended the scene and arrested a suspect.
Thanks to the call to police, officers thwarted the scam and the victim did not lose any money.
As a result of an investigation, 20-year-old Mikhael Noriega of Mississauga was charged with fraud over $5,000. He was released with a future court date.
The grandparent scam typically involves the victim receiving an unsolicited phone call regarding a loved one in trouble. South Simcoe Police Service would like to remind residents who receive urgent, unanticipated requests for money to be extremely cautious and resist the pressure to comply immediately. Hang up the call and contact a family member to verify the story or call police for help. Never provide personal or financial information to an unknown caller or anyone whose identity you have not confirmed. Residents, please speak to the seniors in your life and remind them about these scams.
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