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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.