An Orillia resident is out more than $5,0000 after being snared by the grandparent scam.
Provincial police say the victim received a call on Tuesday from a guy who identified himself as that person's grandson, and that he had been in a car accident where another driver was injured, and they had been arrested and was headed for a bail hearing. The man told the victim to call a number and speak with a lawyer representing the grandson. The victim followed the instructions and spoke with someone claiming to be his grandson's lawyer. This person told the man that $6,450 was required for his grandson's release and that a driver would be sent to his house to collect the cash and take it to the courthouse.
The victim told the man he could only access $5,500. When the victim said he could exchange the money at the Orillia OPP detachment he was told not to attend the police station, but rather wait until a driver appeared at his home to get the money. Arrangements were made, and a man went to the victim's home and got the cash.
The male suspect is described as:
• African American
• Afro
• Approximately 5'10" tall
• Slim build
• Thick Eyebrows
• Thin Mustache
• Slacks and Dark Jacket
