Two Milton teens charged in connection with Pelham grandparent scam

Niagara police have charged two Milton teens in Pelham in connection with a grandparent scam.

On Sept. 4, officers attended a Pelham address for a fraud call. 

Detectives say the caller indicated being the victim of a grandparent scam and was out a large amount of money.

The initial investigation revealed that the victim received a call on Sept. 3 from someone pretending to be their nephew. 

Police say that person claimed to have been arrested while being driven home by an acquaintance and required bail money.  

Officers say the victim advised that the caller arranged for a person to come by the house to pick up the money.  

Detectives say the victim withdrew the money and handed it to an unsuspecting courier from a real delivery company, who then delivered the money to one of the suspects, unaware the package contained proceeds of crime.

Investigators say the victim then reported receiving a second call from the same person claiming to be their nephew on Sept. 4.  

Police say when the caller requested more money for a lawyer and arranged another courier pickup, the victim called their nephew to reschedule. 

Officers say the real nephew denied ever being arrested or asking for cash, leading the victim to contact the police. 

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Detectives were able to determine that the legitimate courier service was requested by someone in the Milton area and were able to identify two male suspects.

On Saturday, a 17-year-old Milton boy was arrested and charged with several offences including possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and fentanyl and the attempt to commit an indictable offence (fraud).

On Sunday, a 16-year-old Milton boy was arrested and charged with fraud under $5,000, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and the attempt to commit an indictable offence (fraud).

Both teenagers were released with future court dates.

If someone believes they are a victim of fraud, it’s advised to contact their local police service.

In Niagara, the non-emergency police phone number is 905-688-4111.

For tips on fraud prevention or recognition, residents can visit the Niagara police website or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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