Niagara cops after fraud suspect following grandparent scam

Niagara Regional Police are looking for a woman suspected of involvement in a grandparent scam that an elderly Niagara Falls resident defrauded.

Cops with 2 District, which oversees Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake, responded to a call from the south-end of Niagara Falls on June 21.

On arrival the victim reported she had received a call from someone purporting to be the woman’s grandson. The caller claimed he had been arrested by the RCMP and needed help to be released.

The victim was then ordered to go to the bank and take out cash. She did so and shortly thereafter a woman came to the house demanding the funds.

The victim handed over the cash, but once she spoke to her actual grandson she realized she’d been had. The grandson had not been arrested.

Niagara Police has their Central Fraud Unit working this case. They appealed for public aid to identify the woman who picked up the funds.

Police describe the woman as Black, between 35 and 45 years old, with black hair in a bun and a tattoo on her left wrist. She was wearing a white blouse, black pants and black sandals during the pickup.

Anyone with information repinent to the investigation can call the lead detective ar 905-688-4111. Select option 3 and badge #1009004. Those who wish to remain anonymous can report to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.