SaskatoonA Quebec man arrested last week in Regina is now accused of defrauding several older adults in Saskatoon as part of an investigation into “grandparent scams” targeting seniors.Police say 5 seniors in Saskatoon lost more than $45K in NovemberAishwarya Dudha · CBC News · Posted: Dec 09, 2025 12:52 PM EST | Last Updated: 5 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.Saskatoon police have charged a Quebec man already charged with fraud in Regina in connection with a ‘grandparent scam.’ (Gajus/Shutterstock)A Quebec man arrested last week in Regina is now accused of defrauding several seniors in Saskatoon as part of an investigation into ‘grandparent scams’ that targets older adults.Saskatoon police say they received five reports from Nov. 24 to 27 from people who were collectively defrauded of more than $45,000 by someone claiming to be a grandson.In each case, investigators say a caller posed as a grandchild in crisis — claiming to have been in a vehicle crash and needing cash to get out of jail, Saskatoon police said in a news release Tuesday.A second person would then go to the victim’s home to collect the money. Police say the victims handed over between $5,000 and $26,000.The Saskatoon charges come a week after Regina police and White Butte RCMP announced they had arrested two Quebec residents — a man and a woman — in connection with similar reports.That investigation included victims who were told there was a ‘gag order’ preventing them from discussing the situation, and who were instructed to hand cash to a courier sent to their door.Police say the accused man, 50, is now facing five additional charges in Saskatoon, including fraud over $5,000, fraud under $5,000 and breach of court conditions.Police in both cities say the investigations remain part of provincewide efforts, as similar scams have been reported across the country.“Fraudsters leverage urgency and panic to coerce the victim into complying with their requests and demands,” Saskatoon Police said in a news release.Police warn that grandparent scams are common across Canada.How to protect yourselfInvestigators suggest that anyone who receives a suspicious call should ask questions to verify the caller’s identity without offering details they could repeat back, hang up and call the family member directly using a known number, and contact other relatives to fact-check the caller’s story.If the caller claims to be law enforcement or another authority figure, hang up and call that agency directly to confirm.Use extreme caution when asked to send any form of currency, including cash, wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency.Both Regina police and RCMP said last week they believe there are more victims who have not yet come forward. Saskatoon Police echoed that message, urging families and friends of older adults to discuss the scam openly.Anyone who believes they have been the victim of fraud is asked to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300. Suspicious calls that did not result in a loss of money can be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.ABOUT THE AUTHORAishwarya Dudha is a reporter for CBC Saskatchewan based in Saskatoon. She specializes in immigration, justice and cultural issues and elevating voices of vulnerable people. She has previously worked for CBC News Network and Global News. You can email her at aishwarya.dudha@cbc.ca
Quebec man accused in Regina grandparent scam now also charged in Saskatoon frauds
