January 25, 2023 2:33 PM
The Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Section has laid additional charges in connection to an organized crime and fraud investigation.
A 25-year-old man, previously arrested as part of the investigation into multiple Family/Grandparent Emergency scams, now faces additional charges of both Fraud Over $5000 and Recruiting for a Criminal Organization.
His total charges to date include; Fraud Over $5000 (x13) and three criminal organization related charges.
This investigation is ongoing. If you have received a suspicious call and suspect fraud but have not been victimized, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre; if you have become the victim of fraud, report it to the Saskatoon Police Service online or by calling 306-975-8300.
January 23, 2023 11:54 AM
A trio of Quebec men previously charged with several fraud-related offences are now facing charges of organized crime.
On January 19, 2023, investigators with the Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Section charged two 25-year-old Quebec men with committing an indictable offence for the benefit of a criminal organization; one of these men was also charged with recruiting for a criminal organization. As a result of continued investigation, all three men involved are also facing two additional charges of Fraud Over $5,000. The investigation is ongoing.
If you have received a suspicious call and suspect fraud but have not been victimized, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre; if you have become the victim of fraud, report it to the Saskatoon Police Service online or by calling 306-975-8300.
(Court Information Numbers: 991220359, 991220365, 991220361)
January 12, 2023 11:32 AM
Members of the Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Section are continuing to investigate a series of fraudulent activity in the community.
On January 11, 2023 at around 10:45 p.m., an officer patrolling in the 800 block of 22nd Street West observed a vehicle of interest believed to be operated by suspects involved in multiple family / grandparent emergency scams. A traffic stop of the vehicle was initiated and its occupants were arrested without incident.
As a result, two men from Quebec, age 25 and 26, are facing charges of Fraud Over $5,000 (x10) and Possession of the Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000. The 25-year-old Quebec man previously arrested and charged on January 10, 2023 with seven counts of Fraud Over $5,000 is now facing an additional three charges; totalling ten.
The amount fraudulently stolen from victims is now in excess of $100,000. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be laid.
Fraudsters leverage urgency and panic to coerce the victim into complying with their request. Always use extreme caution, especially when being asked to send a form of currency. If you have received a suspicious call and suspect fraud but have not been victimized, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre; if you have become the victim of fraud, report it to the Saskatoon Police Service online or by calling 306-975-8300.
(Court Information Numbers: 991219507, 991219636, 991219697)
The Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Section has arrested a man in connection to multiple Family / Grandparent Emergency scams in the community.
On January 10, 2023, officers arrested a 25-year-old man in the 400 block of Nelson Road. Investigators believe he is responsible for numerous frauds, dating back to December 21, 2022.
The 25-year-old man has been charged with Fraud Over $5,000 (x7). Additional charges could be laid as the investigation continues.
The Economic Crime Section would like to thank the public for their assistance in this investigation, and investigators encourage anyone who may have been the victim of fraud to call the SPS at 306-975-8300.
(Court Information Number: 991219507)
January 10, 2023 10:55 AM
The Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Section is requesting information and cautioning the general public, regarding recent fraudulent activity in the community.
Over the past few weeks, the SPS has received multiple reports of Family/Grandparent Emergency scams, similar in nature to what was detailed in a previous release. In each case, it was reported to investigators that victims handed over money to a man claiming to be a courier, bailiff, or bail bondsman. This man is being described as tall, slim, well dressed, with a medium to dark complexion, and clean-cut hair/facial hair.
The suspect or suspects have consistently requested dollar amounts in the $9,000 to $9,800 range. A total of approximately $100,000 has been reported stolen during this time.
Generally, the suspect(s) have personal details regarding the victim’s family and friends upon initial contact. While it has not been confirmed, investigators believe this personal information might have been accessed online. The SPS advises the public to ensure privacy settings on their social media profiles and posts, or their family members profiles and posts, are set to private/stricter settings to help prevent this. The SPS also recommends family members contact those most vulnerable to these types of scams and make them aware of the details.
Anyone with relevant information or wanting to report an occurrence of fraud is asked to call the SPS at 306-975-8300.
Warning Signs - How to Protect Yourself
- Confirm with other relatives the whereabouts of the family member or friend.
- Police, Judges, government authorities, or legal entities will never request that money be sent by courier or in the mail.
- Never voluntarily give out family member's names or information to unknown callers.
- Always question urgent requests for money.
Find out more information here: saskatoonpolice.ca/economic/