Stonewall RCMP are reporting that a 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection to an investigation involving a “grandparent scam” that occurred in the community.
On February 28, 2024, at approximately 3:35 pm, Stonewall RCMP learned of an alleged fraud after a 79-year-old woman attended the detachment to report that she believed that she was a victim of the “grandparent scam”.
Police learned that the woman had received a call a few days earlier from someone claiming to be her grandson. The person said that he was in a motor vehicle collision in Winnipeg and was arrested and needed money for bail. The woman was then instructed to take out $8,000 in cash from her financial institution and that it would be picked up at her home. She then received another phone call from someone claiming to be her grandson’s lawyer who advised her that the money would be picked up by courier and instructed her not to tell anyone. A male then came by the home and picked up the money.
The following day, the victim received more phone calls from the same suspect advising her an additional $8,000 would be required to pay fines and exonerate her grandson. The same pick-up process occurred. Further calls were received a couple days later asking for another large sum of money. When she went to her financial institution, the employee advised the victim of the possible scam and she reported it to the RCMP.
RCMP report that a suspect was scheduled to come by the woman’s residence later that day. Officers were able to intercept him, and he was arrested without incident. 32-year-old Nathanial South was subsequently charged with fraud over $5,000 and was remanded into custody.
Members noted that the suspect was also wanted out of Alberta on a warrant for fraud.
Manitoba RCMP are warning residents of this scam as there has been an increase in this specific fraud. Since January 1, 2024, there have been approximately 13 similar occurrences in southern Manitoba and an estimated total loss of approximately $70,000. It is believed that there may be more victims of this scam and RCMP are asking the public to report any similar frauds to your local police as soon as possible.
“Too many people are losing large sums of money to this scam, and we want Manitobans to be aware,” said Corporal Julie Courchaine of the Manitoba RCMP. “Please bring up this topic with friends and family as education and awareness will help protect others from being defrauded.”
