WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington County OPP is warning residents after investigating two recent attempted “grandparent scams” in Erin and Arthur.
On July 22, 2026 at around 10 a.m., Wellington County OPP said they responded to a report of fraud at an Erin residence.
Police said two unknown suspects contacted the victim, one individual posing as the victim’s son, and claimed to be arrested due to a motor vehicle collision and needed $6,500 for “bail” money.
The victim in this case took the steps to verify the falsehoods of the story after speaking with their son and reported the incident to police.
The next day, July 23, saw an investigation for a similar situation in Arthur.
This time police said one of the two callers posed at the victim’s grandson, and the other as the grandson’s “lawyer”, and said $2,600 was needed to be bailed from an arrest stemming from a motor vehicle collision.
In this case the suspects informed the victim “not to tell anyone” and cash would be collected personally.
However, the victim felt suspicious and reported the incident to Wellington County OPP>
Police said grandparent scams, also known as emergency scams, typically involve fraudsters pretending to be a grandchild or other family member in distress.
The OPP is reminding residents to verify any urgent requests for money by contacting the family member directly using a known phone number. They also encourage people to speak with other relatives or friends before sending money and to be cautious of requests involving e-transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash couriers.
Anyone who receives a similar call is encouraged to hang up and contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
