A man and a woman have been charged in P.E.I. for their involvement in a “grandparent scam” that targeted vulnerable elderly individuals.
Charlottetown Police Chief Brad MacConnell praised the swift action of officers, saying, “It’s good to bring these individuals into custody and keep them from exploiting additional people.”
According to Charlottetown Police Services, the incident came to light when a man reported that his grandmother had received a fraudulent call. The scammer posed as a bail bondsman, falsely claiming the woman’s grandson had been in a car accident involving a pregnant woman and needed $5,000 for bail.
The caller instructed the elderly woman to withdraw the money from her bank and await a person who would collect it. However, the woman contacted her family, confirmed the call was a scam, and notified the police.
At around 3:30 p.m. on August 17, when 26-year-old Luis Luciano David Cortez Abarca arrived to collect the money, he was met by several Charlottetown police units and was promptly arrested.
Chief MacConnell credited the victim’s quick thinking, stating, “They communicated with the loved one that was supposedly in trouble and made the right choice by engaging the police.”
Linked to Other Scams
Further investigation revealed similar incidents in Summerside, where authorities had been investigating related scams earlier in the week. On Wednesday, police arrested Genesis Javiera Carvajal Tapia, 25, at a motel in Borden-Carleton. Both suspects, originally from Chile, had been traveling in a rental vehicle from New Brunswick.
Authorities suspect that Cortez Abarca and Tapia may be involved in additional grandparent scams in nearby regions, including Miramichi, Bathurst, Campbellton, and Caraquet in New Brunswick. MacConnell stated, “We’re realizing that the individuals in custody are likely responsible for other incidents.”
Ongoing Investigation
A search of the suspects’ motel room uncovered five cellphones, several computers, and cash, which have been seized as part of the investigation. Cortez Abarca and Tapia face multiple fraud charges in connection with the Charlottetown case, including fraud under $5,000 and fraud over $5,000. They are currently in custody awaiting a court appearance.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and additional charges are expected, especially in Summerside. Islanders who suspect they may have been scammed are encouraged to contact local authorities.
“This type of crime can sound very convincing,” said MacConnell. “People want to help, but scammers exploit that kindness.”