Quick work by the Prince Edward OPP have led to the arrest of scammers from Quebec bent on bilking thousands of dollars from a Prince Edward County couple.

On Friday, members of the OPP received a report from a couple who admitted falling victim to fraudsters utilizing the grandparent scam on the previous day.

They lost $8,000 cash to scammers executing an elaborate scam claiming to be a loved one in trouble with law enforcement.

Later in the day, with the assistance of the East Region Community Street Crime Unit and OPP Canine Unit, officers intercepted two individuals who were attempting to further victimize the same couple requesting an additional $9,500.

Two parties were arrested while leaving the victim’s residence.

Jean-Pierre Savard, 64 from Montreal, and Brandon-Luis Ortiz-Ruz, 22 from Saint-Leonard have both been charged with two counts each of fraud over $5,000.

Both individuals were held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on February 25, 2023.

Thankfully these victims caught on to the suspected fraud and took action.

To avoid becoming a victim follow these tips:

• Call the relative who is allegedly in trouble
• Pump the brakes and ask more questions
• Ask for credentials
• Listen to the inner voice that says “this doesn’t sound right”
• Criminal Justice System does not allow for someone to be bailed out of jail with cash or cryptocurrency
• Be weary of any request to “not tell anyone”
• Be cautious of the sense of urgency

“Remember, legitimate agencies will never pressure you for information over the phone or demand money immediately,” said Prince Edward Community Services and Media Relations officer Constable Aaron Miller.

-Staf