Ontario man charged in Canada-wide grandparent scams

A 39-year-old man faces several charges linked to grandparent scams in Ontario and other provinces.

Peel Regional Police say that in June (2023), a victim received a text message from an unknown number purporting to be a family member. They claimed they were borrowing a friend’s phone because theirs was damaged and inoperable.

The text messages continued, stating that the family member had an unpaid bill that needed immediate attention and requested funds from the victim, police say.

After the victim agreed to help, the suspect allegedly provided an email address to which the victim could transfer the money.

Further investigations revealed a second victim from the province of British Columbia.

On Wednesday (March 13), investigators from the Fraud Bureau arrested and charged Charles Junior Cleveland King of Toronto with multiple offences, including two counts of fraud under $5000.

Police say King is set to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 15, 2024, to answer to these charges.

An image of the accused has not been released by officials.

Authorities believe there may be more victims and urge them to come forward and report it to their local police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453–2121, ext. 3335.