Massive fraud scheme targets Quebec seniors: 16 arrests, including 5 teens
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Posted January 29, 2025 11:50 am.
Last Updated January 29, 2025 12:03 pm.
A large-scale fraud operation in Quebec has led to the arrest of 16 individuals, including five teenagers, as police dismantle a network of scammers preying on elderly victims.
The Sûreté du Québec’s Economic Crime Investigation Division (SECÉ) launched the investigation in December 2022, uncovering over 250 cases of fraudulent activity totaling more than $1 million in losses.
The scam, known as the “faux representatives” fraud, involves criminals using advanced technology to impersonate well-known institutions, including banks and government agencies. By altering the caller ID on victims’ phones, they deceive individuals—many of whom are seniors—into handing over large sums of money.
The average age of the 214 victims involved is 79 years old – underscoring the vulnerability of senior citizens to such crimes.
Police say the operation was carried out with the help of more than 90 officers and support staff, making it one of the largest anti-fraud operations in recent years.
As of Wednesday, six of the arrested individuals will face charges in Trois-Rivières and Laval, while the others have been released under certain conditions pending future court appearances.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against fraud and report any suspicious activity to the Sûreté du Québec’s Criminal Information Centre.
Any information on criminal acts or suspicious events can be communicated to the
Central de l’information criminelle of the Sûreté du Québec at 1 800 659-4264.