Winnipeg police are seeing an increase in so-called “grandparent” or “emergency” scams reported throughout February and March 2026.
Investigators recently made an arrest in connection with one of the incidents, where money was fraudulently obtained from an elderly victim.
Police say on February 27, an individual in their 80s received a phone call from someone posing as a justice official. The caller claimed a relative had been arrested and needed money to avoid jail. Believing the story, the victim agreed to pay, and an unknown man later attended their home to collect the cash.
After confirming with family members that no one had been arrested, the victim reported the incident to police.
Two suspects were later identified, and on March 17, officers arrested a man and a woman in the 300 block of Tyson Trail.
A 24-year-old man from Quebec has been charged with fraud under $5,000 and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order. He remains in custody. The woman was not charged.
Police say investigations into similar scams are ongoing and are urging the public to verify urgent financial requests with family members before handing over money.
Anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a grandparent/emergency scam, is asked to contact police at (204) 986-6231.
