Two Milton Teens Arrested in Pelham Grandparent Scam
On September 4, 2026, uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 3 District (Welland/Pelham) office attended a Pelham address for a fraud call for service. The caller indicated being the victim of a “grandparent scam” and was out a large sum of money.
The initial investigation revealed that the victim received a call on September 3, 2026, from someone purporting to be their nephew. That person claimed to have been arrested while being driven home by an acquaintance and required bail money. The victim advised that the caller arranged for a person to come by the house to pick up the money. The victim took out the money and a male working for a legitimate courier/delivery company showed up to collect. The courier then delivered the money to one of the suspects, unaware the package contained proceeds of crime.
The victim then reported receiving a second call from the same person claiming to be their nephew on September 4, 2026. This time the person was asking for additional money for lawyer expenses and again arranged for a courier service to attend the house. The victim again took out money then called their nephew to arrange a different time for pick up. It was at this point that the real nephew advised that they had never been arrested nor did they ask for money. This prompted the victim to contact police.
Detectives with the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) took carriage of the investigation and were able to determine that the legitimate courier service was requested by someone in the Milton area. Detectives were further able to identify two male suspects.
On November 7, 2026, a 17-year-old Milton male was arrested and charged with the following offences.
- Fraud Under $5000
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Attempt to Commit Indictable Offence (Fraud)
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
- Possess Card not Authorized x 2
- Possess Identity Document
- Possession of Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine
- Possession of Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl
- Possess Counterfeit Money
On November 8, 2026, a 16-year-old Milton male was arrested and charged with the following offences.
- Fraud Under $5000
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Attempt to Commit Indictable Offence (Fraud)
Due to provisions under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) the names of the accused cannot be released.
Both accused were released with future court dates.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website, these scams prey on the fear of a loved one being hurt or in trouble. Fraudsters claim to be someone you know and tell you they need money immediately. Scenarios they may use include needing bail money because they've been arrested or being in a car accident. Fraudsters will claim to be law enforcement officials, lawyers, and impersonate the grandchild or family member. Fraudsters will use urgency and threats to convince you to take out the money. Fraudsters will claim that there is a "gag order" preventing you from speaking about the situation.
If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please contact your local police service. In Niagara, the non-emergency police phone number is 905-688-4111.
For tips on fraud prevention or recognition, please visit our website at https://www.niagarapolice.ca/ or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
NRPS Incident 26-112010