Toronto man, 39, charged with fraud in connection with alleged scam

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A 39-year-old Toronto man was charged last week with fraud after an investigation into a so-called grandparent scam.

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Peel Regional Police said on Sunday that investigators from their fraud bureau laid the charges after a victim received a text message from an unknown number in June 2023. The person who sent the text said they were a family member and were using a friend’s phone as theirs was damaged and inoperable.

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“The text messages continued, stating that the family member had an unpaid bill that needed immediate attention and requested funds from the victims to help,” Peel police said in a news release.

The victim was sent an email address to transfer the funds once they had agreed to help. The victim then allegedly transferred thousands of dollars to the sender, but realized they were targeted by a scam after contacting the legitimate family member.

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A second victim in British Columbia was also identified during the investigation.

Charles Junior Cleveland King, 39, of Toronto was charged on Wednesday with possession of property obtained by crime and two counts of fraud under $5,000.

“Investigators believe that there may be additional victims and police are encouraging them to come forward and file a report with their local police,” police said, while urging anyone with information to call 905-453-2121, ext. 3335.

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