25 Canadians charged in ‘grandparent scam’ that defrauded U.S. seniors of millions
Posted March 5, 2025 10:12 am.
An alleged organized ring operating out of Quebec is responsible with bilking U.S. seniors of $21 million as part of a “grandparent scam.”
All 25 suspects were said to have operated out of Montreal and resided here or elsewhere in Quebec. They have been charged with wire fraud.
23 of the 25 suspects were arrested in Canada on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the U.S. attorney for Vermont. Two remain at large.
The “grandparent scam” involves calling a grandparent and urging them to send thousands of dollars to bail out a loved one who has been in a car accident and then arrested.
The alleged scheme unfolded between the summer of 2021 through June 2024 and targeted seniors in close to 40 U.S. states.
The money was delivered to the accused and converted into Canadian dollars “for use in Canada.”
Five defendants who face charges of wire fraud and money laundering also face the possibility of 40 years behind bars if they are convicted.
The rest involved in the ring face 20 years.
