In February and March 2026, the Winnipeg Police Service Financial Crime Unit (FCU) has
received an increase in reports related to “grandparent” or “emergency” scams. Investigations into these incidents remain ongoing.
The Financial Crime Unit has recently arrested and charged an individual in connection to one of these reported grandparent phone scams, in which money was fraudulently obtained.
On February 27, 2026, an adult in their 80s received a phone call from someone pretending to be a justice official. The scammers indicated that the victim’s relative had been arrested and required money to avoid going to jail. The victim agreed to pay, and a man they did not know came to their home and picked up the money.
The victim later checked with their family and discovered this story wasn’t true and they had been scammed. They made a police report.
The Financial Crime Unit began an investigation and identified two suspects.
On March 17, 2026, an adult man and woman were arrested in the 300 block of Tyson Trail.
A 24-year-old man from Quebec, has been charged with:
- Fraud Under $5,000
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order x 2
He was detained in custody.
The woman was not charged.
The Winnipeg Police Service, in partnership with A&O: Support Services for Older Adults, launched the six-month Just Hang Up, fraud awareness campaign at the beginning of March, during Fraud Prevention Month.
This campaign provides tips and reporting strategies to prevent scams targeting older adults, while providing awareness to families to better support the older adults in their lives. In addition in-person group presentations can be booked through the WPS and A&O.
The Just Hang Up presentation has already been delivered to more than 300 people, at senior’s living centres, church groups and a fitness facility.
After each presentation a short survey was completed to assess the participant’s learning outcomes of the material presented, some key findings included:
- 89.8% of the respondents indicated they would be able to recognize if they were contacted by a telephone scammer
- 84.7% indicated if they were a victim of a telephone scam, they would know how to report it and feel confident doing so
- 6 respondents indicated they had previously given a scam caller what they asked for
The simple steps of Just Hanging Up – Verifying – and Reporting, can help detect and stop scams, reducing the risk of financial and emotional devastation.
If you have lost money in a scam, report to police online.
If you believe you may be the victim of a grandparent/emergency scam, contact the Financial Crime Unit at 204-986-6231.