NEWS RELEASE WELLINGTON COUNTY OPP
(GUELPH-ERAMOSA TOWNSHIP, ON) – A Rockwood resident is out $5,000 after falling victim to a ‘grandparent scam’.
On November 5, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m., members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of fraud, after an unknown suspect contacted a Rockwood resident, suggesting their son was arrested and required $5,000 in bail money. The suspect later attended the victim’s home and collected the money. Shortly after, the victim learned his son was not actually arrested, realized it was a scam and contacted police.
Members of the Wellington County OPP are continuing to investigate this incident and are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the suspect and vehicle involved.
Suspect is described as:
- Male
- Brown
- Middle-aged
- Facial hair
- Heavy build
- Wearing a white t-shirt and dark coloured pants
- Spoke English
- Identified themselves as, “Najib”
Suspect vehicle is described as:
- Toyota sedan
- White
- Tinted windows
See attached photo for reference.
The Wellington County OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Ontario Provincial Police Occurrence #: E251501100.
What is a Grandparent Scam?
Grandparent scams, also known as emergency scams, typically involve a suspect posing as a grandchild or other family member in urgent trouble, often claiming to have been arrested, in an accident, or stranded in another country. The scammer pressures the victim to send money immediately and often asks them to keep the matter secret from other family members.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Stop and verify before sending money. Contact the family member directly using a known phone number.
- Speak to other relatives or friends before acting on urgent requests for money.
- Be cautious of payment requests via e-transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash couriers.
- Never give out personal or financial information to unexpected callers.
For more information on scams and frauds, the public is encouraged to read The Little Black Book of Scams, which can be found Online: https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03074.html
If you are the recipient of a fraudulent call, text, or email, or if you have been a victim of a fraud, you are encouraged to report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or visit http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
