A man is facing charges after Durham police say he defrauded victims in a Grandparent Scam.
On Thursday, police say the victims received a phone call from a man claiming to be their grandson who said he was in trouble and needed bail money.
Someone claiming to be an officer of the court then advised them that their grandson had been involved in a car accident injuring a pregnant female and $9,000 was required as bail.
The suspect arranged for a “bondsman” or courier to pick up the money.
Police say they were the victims of the same scam earlier in the month, so they immediately contacted police.
Officers were able to arrest the suspect without incident.
Police say further investigation connected the the man to another incident less than an hour before in which the victims provided $9,000.
Jaaziah Brereton, 22, of Markham, is charged with fraud over $5,000 x2, and possession of proceeds of crime.
DRPS would like to remind residents who receive any unanticipated requests for money to be extremely cautious and speak to a family member or trusted advisor for support.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Middleton of the DRPS – Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
