Victim scammed out of thousands; Brampton man charged, 2nd suspect wanted

Police in York Region say a Brampton man has been charged and a second suspect is outstanding after a victim was scammed out of thousands of dollars.

York Regional Police said in a news release that an investigation into a “grandparent scam” began in July.

A victim reported that he received calls from someone pretending to be a police officer who indicated that his grandson needed money for bail after being arrested for drugs, the release said.

The victim agreed and a courier was sent to pick up $6,000 in cash, police said.

“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,” police said.

“Realizing that this may be a scam, the victim called police.”

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Const. Lisa Moskaluk told INsauga.com that the victim, a 72-year-old man, didn’t get his money back.

Officers from York police’s financial crimes unit arrested and charged 20-year-old Brampton resident Markell London after a two-month investigation.

London was charged with fraud over $5,000.

Police said a second suspect is outstanding and officers are looking to the public for help in identifying him.

He was described as five-foot-nine, 150 pounds, 20 to 25 years old with black hair and a medium build.

“We believe that they may be connected to other similar frauds in the GTA,” Moskaluk said.

Anyone with information was asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Credit: Handout / York Regional Police