Peel Regional Police (PRP) have charged two women in connection with a multi-year lottery scam that targeted vulnerable elderly individuals across Canada. The scheme ran from 2019 to 2023, deceiving victims into believing they had won large lottery prizes and then pressuring them to send money to cover alleged fees and taxes.
The victims, one from Thunder Bay, Ontario, and the other from Grand Prairie, Alberta, were tricked into believing that after sending money, they would receive millions of dollars in winnings. Instead, they were left with significant financial losses.
In one case, an Ontario victim was persuaded to send over $45,000 to Arja Donaldson, a 50-year-old woman from Mississauga, Ontario. Donaldson was arrested on November 27, 2024, and has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime and fraud over $5,000.
The second victim, from Alberta, was coerced into sending $10,000 to Latoya Hayden, a 37-year-old woman from Mississauga. Hayden also faces charges of fraud over $5,000. Additionally, a further $2,000 was sent to Andrew Baker, a 31-year-old Mississauga man, who remains a wanted suspect. A warrant has been issued for his arrest for possession of property obtained by crime.
Peel Regional Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and cautious of scammers who manipulate vulnerable individuals for financial gain. The police also emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal information and avoiding sending money to unverified sources.
“The Fraud Bureau protects individuals, groups, and vulnerable persons in our community. Our most vulnerable population is often targeted, manipulated, and taken advantage of in many fraud-related schemes for the fraudster’s profit,” stated PRP in a press release.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding the case or who may have been targeted by similar scams to come forward and assist in the investigation.
