Law enforcement in Montreal has arrested at least 50 individuals linked to three major grandparent scam networks, which defrauded elderly victims of millions. The COVID-19 pandemic fueled a rise in these scams, but officials report a recent decline due to increased police action.
Investigations into these fraud rings require extensive surveillance, including wiretaps and stakeouts, before police can raid call centers and make arrests. However, due to court delays, suspects are often released and formally charged months later to prevent cases from being dismissed under the Jordan ruling.
Authorities say large-scale operations like Project Sharp, led by the Ontario Provincial Police, resulted in 14 arrests in 2024, reducing scam cases. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) reports that losses from grandparent scams dropped from $11.6 million in 2023 to $3.2 million in 2024.
Despite these efforts, experts warn that fraud is underreported, with only 5-10% of victims coming forward. Officials urge the public to verify calls from relatives asking for money and report scams to police and the CAFC to aid investigations.
Source: Swifteradio.com
