Most recently, a Waterloo man was charged with nationwide grandparent fraud

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Provincial police have charged a 24-year-old Waterloo man accused of being involved in a nationwide grandparent scam.

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Ontario Provincial Police said the latest arrest is part of an ongoing investigation called “Project Sharp” involving 11 Ontario and Quebec police services. Police said the investigation was in response to victims being defrauded in a scheme dubbed the “emergency grandparent scam.”

Cops said seniors with landline phones were targeted. The victims believed they were speaking to an officer or attorney and claimed the victim’s grandchild or family member was in custody.

Bail was required for the family member’s release, police said. In most cases, unsuspecting couriers known as “money mules” were used to collect large amounts of money from victims who, according to police, “felt emotional distress and feared the financial impact on their lives.”

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On Wednesday, the OPP Anti-Crime Unit and Criminal Investigation Division charged Jahzion Holness-Edie with three offenses, including participating in a criminal organization, committing an offense for a criminal organization and fraud over $5,000.

14 people were arrested as part of this investigation. Previous arrests were announced on April 18.

“Emergency grandparent fraud not only causes significant financial losses, but also inflicts emotional trauma on victims,” said OPP Det.-Insp. Sean Chatland said in a press release. “It is critical that we address these fraud cases together as many of our loved ones are at risk.”

Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of the Emergency Grandparent Scam or a scam is urged to contact local police, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222- TIPS (8477) to contact ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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