Two more people have been charged in a fraud scheme known as the 'grandparent scam'
Since the start of 2022, Calgary police estimate that more than $1.6 million has been stolen from around 122 Calgary seniors in the scam.
Even more concerning, it's getting worse – police believe 93 incidents have already taken place in September, with 35 victims losing money.
Three individuals have been arrested and charged, including one who was caught in the act over the past few weeks.
Two more were arrested and have now been charged. Police aren't sure whether the suspects are connected to one another.
Victims are contacted by someone who has detailed information about them and they pretend to be a relative, or police officer, or someone from the legal system like an attorney or bail bondsman who requests money to help a loved one.
Once hooked, the victim is advised to go to a bank and withdraw cash, anywhere from a few thousand dollars to more than $10,000.
Then a 'courier' or 'bail bondsman' appears at their home to collect cash.
In August, one victim was defrauded of more than $300,000.
"These unscrupulous scammers use personalized information to legitimize their claims, preying on the good will of seniors who will do anything to look after their family members. Any senior, not just those with cognitive concerns, can be victimized by these individuals. It is up to us as Calgarians, as employees in businesses or services in contact with seniors and as family members, to help educate the seniors in our lives about these scams," said Calgary Police Service Staff Sgt. Andrea Koolick in a release.
Sebastian Pulgarin Osorio, 29, was charged with five counts of defrauding a person over $5,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, Oct.5.
Martina Kristal Valentini, 38, was charged with two counts of defrauding a person over $5,000. She is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, Oct. 14.
Police remind the public that bail payments can only be paid in person at the courthouse or correctional centres and receipts are issued.
Canadian currency, debit and credit cards are the only accepted forms of payment. Gift cards, e-transfers and cheques aren't accepted.
In the majority of situations, the person who needs to make bail will call, not a member of the police.
More information about how the grandparent scam is played out is available on the Calgary Police Service website.
When in doubt, people are advised to verify the story they are being told by contacting the alleged family member directly or a third-party family member to help confirm.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Calgary police at 403-266-1234. Anonymous callers can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app available at Apple or the Google Play Store.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.