The Winnipeg Police Service previously released information regarding a prevalent “grandparent/emergency” telephone scam and the arrest of a Quebec man on March 17, 2026, after an adult in their 80s was financially defrauded on February 27, 2026.
Police provided a call to action for the community to raise awareness to this grandparent scam and encouraged anyone who may have been victimized to contact the Financial Crime Unit.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, four additional victims of the grandparent scam were identified in Winnipeg:
- On February 17, 2026, an adult in their 70s received a phone call from someone pretending to be their grandchild, saying they needed emergency bail money. The victim provided cash, which was picked up from their residence by a male suspect (in the Charleswood neighbourhood).
- On February 19, 2026, an adult in their 80s received a phone call from someone pretending to be their grandchild, saying they needed emergency bail money. The victim did not have access to cash and instead was convinced to provide jewellery in lieu of cash. The jewellery was picked up from the victim’s residence by a male suspect (in the Windsor Park neighbourhood).
- On February 25, 2026, an adult in their 80s received a phone call from someone pretending to be their grandson, saying they needed emergency bail money. The victim provided cash, which was picked up from their residence by a male suspect (in the Windsor Park neighbourhood).
- On February 26, 2026, an adult in their 80s received a phone call from someone pretending to be their grandson, saying they needed emergency bail money. The victim provided cash, which was picked up from their residence by a male suspect (in the North Kildonan neighbourhood).
Additionally, with the assistance of Portage la Prairie RCMP, two victims from Portage la Prairie were also identified.
- On February 26, 2026, an adult in their 80s received a phone call from someone pretending to be their nephew, saying they needed emergency bail money. The victim provided cash, which was picked up from their residence by a male suspect
- On March 5, 2026, an adult in their 70s received a phone call from someone pretending to be their nephew, saying they needed emergency bail money. The victim provided cash, which was picked up from their residence by a male suspect
On April 15, the Financial Crime Unit attended the Winnipeg Remand Centre and arrested 24-year-old Lyven LEMIEUX-THERIAULT, of Quebec on the strength of a warrant related to these frauds. He was charged with:
- Fraud Under $5,000 X 3
- Fraud Over $5,000 X 3
He remained in custody.
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.