Investigators with the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit have charged one man in connection with a grandparent scam and are seeking public assistance in identifying his accomplice.
The investigation began in July 2024, after the victim reported he had received calls from someone pretending to be a police officer who indicated that his grandson had been arrested for drugs and needed money for bail. The victim complied and the suspect sent a courier to collect $6,000 cash from him. Later that same day, the suspect called again stating that a gun was located in the vehicle he was in and that they now required an additional $7,000. Realizing that this may be a scam, the victim called police.
Following a two-month investigation, officers with the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit identified and charged 20-year-old Markell LONDON, of Brampton, with Fraud Over $5,000.
A second suspect, believed to be working with LONDON, remains outstanding. Investigators are releasing images of him and are asking for the public’s help in identifying him.
Suspect Description:
- Male, Black
- 20 to 25 years
- 5’9”, 150 lbs.
- Black hair
- Medium build
A list of ongoing scams, including grandparent scams, as well as tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, are available at yrp.ca/fraud.
Crime Prevention Tips:
- Never offer personal or financial information to someone over the phone
- Call the grandchild or family member in question, at a phone number you recognize as their own
- Ask the caller personal questions that only your grandchild could answer but an imposter could not
- Verify the story or information with family first
- Press the caller for details if they identify as a government official and verify their information
- Please take some time and ask yourself: “Could this be a scam?” “Does it make sense?”
We encourage citizens to share fraud prevention tips with friends and family, especially seniors or newcomers to Canada, who are frequently the targeted victims.
If you have been a victim of a fraud and have lost money, report the incident promptly to the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit either online at yrp.ca/ReportIt or by calling 1-866-876-5423. To report frauds where no money has been lost, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6612 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Prepared by: Constable Lisa Moskaluk
24-223942
September 24, 2024
