Two arrested in Saskatoon scams targeting grandparents, sports fans

Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) have charged two people in connection with separate fraud schemes targeting local residents.

SPS Economic Crime Section began investigating a series of calls between March 17 and March 20 involving an Emergency or Grandparent Scam. 

The fraudster allegedly contacted three residents with false stories of a loved one in immediate danger, then demanded money for a quick resolution. 

A woman reportedly appeared in person to collect cash at the victims’ homes. 

On March 27, another incident was reported in Moose Jaw, leading investigators to a 44-year-old woman from Montreal, who now faces three counts of fraud over $5,000.

In a separate case in the fall of 2024, SPS says several Saskatoon residents lost a total of $30,000 when they paid for professional sporting event tickets and travel that were never booked. 

Investigators identified a suspect who allegedly accepted funds but did not arrange the promised sports event packages. 

On April 1, officers arrested a 54-year-old Saskatoon man, charging him with two counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count of fraud under $5,000.

SPS is urging the public to remain vigilant and if contacted with urgent requests for money on behalf of relatives is encouraged to verify the caller’s identity before sending money.