Johnnathan Hunter charged in Grandparent Scam Fraud in Toronto

After a lengthy investigation officers from the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau have made an arrest in an ongoing scam known as the “Grandparent Scam” or “Emergency Scam”. As the investigation expanded the Toronto Police Service became involved and assisted in the investigation and arrest.

Officers started this investigation in 2009, after receiving several complaints, whereby victims receive a phone call from the suspect, the suspect claims to be their grandchild or another relative. The suspect tells the victim that they are in some kind of trouble and they require immediate financial assistance. They impress upon the victim that this is an urgent matter, and that they do not want other family members to be made aware of the situation. They then request money to be sent via Western Union from the victim.

There are numerous victims who reside across Canada and in the United Sates.

On Tuesday, October 26, 2010, the suspect, Johnnathan HUNTER, a 40 year old man from Toronto, was arrested and charged with a total of 39 counts of Fraud Over $5000, Fraud Under $5000, Defraud the Public and Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence. HUNTER made an appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on October 27, 2010.