Police foil grandparent scam; suspect arrested, seeking additional victims

(Ottawa)—Quick action by family members and Ottawa Police officers prevented a senior from losing nearly $6,000 to a “grandparent scam” on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. 

We believe more victims were targeted in the Ottawa area yesterday, and we are asking anyone with information to come forward and phone our Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300, or report online at ottawapolice.ca/report. 

About the grandparent scam 

At approximately 1:20 p.m., police were contacted by a family member who was concerned that his grandfather was being targeted by scammers. Earlier that day, the senior had received a call from a private number from a man claiming to be his grandson’s lawyer. The caller stated that the grandson had been involved in a collision and required $6,000 for bail. 

Believing the call to be legitimate, the senior left his home to attend a local bank branch to withdraw the money. Family members attempted to reach him but were unable to do so, as he had left without his cell phone. Patrol officers located the senior at the bank and intervened before any money was handed over. 

Officers accompanied the senior back to his residence, where he was instructed by the scammer to call back once the cash had been obtained. While en route, the scammer continued to call, identifying himself as “Charles Golden,” and later using the name of the senior’s supposed grandson. The caller insisted the situation remain secret, claimed a pregnant woman had been involved in the collision, and pressured the senior to provide bail money, promising repayment through the courts within two days. 

Shortly after returning home, a man arrived at the residence claiming to be a “court-appointed trustee” sent to collect the money. Upon seeing police officers inside the home, the suspect attempted to flee. Following a brief foot pursuit, one man was arrested. 

These scams occur far too often and exploit people’s emotions and their desire to help loved ones. 

Important reminders: 

• Never trust caller ID. It can be spoofed to look like police, a courthouse, a bank, or a family member. 

• Use a “family safe word.” A simple word/phrase only your family would know. If they can’t answer it, end the call. 

• Police/courts won’t demand payment by gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or courier pickups. Any of those = scam. 

• Don’t share personal info. No SIN, banking details, passwords, addresses, travel plans, or “confirming” information. 

• Slow down. Scammers rely on panic + urgency (“right now,” “don’t tell anyone”). Take a breath and pause. 

• If you’ve sent money or info: act fast. Contact your bank/credit card company immediately, report it to police, and consider reporting to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. 

The Ottawa Police Service Financial Crimes Unit continues to investigate.

Sharing is caring 

Please share this information with family members, friends, and neighbours who may be vulnerable to fraud. Once money is handed over to a scammer, it is often difficult or impossible to recover, making prevention critical. Residents have worked hard to earn their savings—don’t let scammers take them through fear, pressure, or false emergencies. 

For updates on emerging fraud tactics, prevention tips, and resources for victims, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. 

Contact information 

Anyone with additional information related to this or any other fraud investigation is asked to contact the Financial Crimes Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5292. 

Anyone who has experienced a financial loss due to a grandparent scam or similar fraud is encouraged to report it by calling 613-236-1222, extension 7300, or report online at ottawapolice.ca/report. There is no need to feel embarrassed.