Cornwall, ON – On April 26, 2024, an 83-year-old Cornwall man attended Cornwall Police Service (CPS) headquarters to report an alleged grandparent scam.
Several charges were laid as a result of the investigation.
There has been a significant rise in grandparent scams recently. In 2024 alone, the CPS and its Criminal Investigation Division has investigated 25 such occurrences in the area.
“This senior citizen trusted his gut and did the right thing by contacting police right away,” said OIC – S/Sgt. Tracey Pilon. “I would encourage residents of the City of Cornwall to share this story with their parents and grandparents, so they can avoid being a victim themselves.”
As a result of the CPS investigation on April 26, 2024, Imron McEwen, 36, of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, was arrested and charged with fraud under $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
It is alleged on April 26, 2024, the man contacted a resident in the City of Cornwall, pretending to be the senior’s grandson and asking for $3,000 in cash. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. Police successfully intercepted the suspect, who was subsequently arrested by police. He was taken into custody and charged accordingly.
OIC – S/Sgt. Pilon cautions those who believe they would never fall victim to such a scam.
“Individuals involved in these grandparent scams are becoming more and more sophisticated and creative with the use of technology,” she said. “This makes their plea for help to vulnerable seniors extremely convincing.”
As the investigation continued, it was also revealed the man was allegedly involved in another local grandparent scam.
It is alleged on March 8, 2024, and March 9, 2024, the man contacted a 73-year-old couple from Cornwall, pretending to be their son and asking for a specific amount of cash. It is alleged two meetings took place resulting in the couple being defrauded of $6,000.Consequently, the man was additionally charged with fraud over $5,000.
He was released to appear in court on May 30, 2024.
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