Rash of grandparent phone scams costs Manitoba seniors $31,000: E26-6035

Released: May 4, 2026 at 11:51 a.m.

Information contained in our media releases may relate to issues of violence or trauma, which could be distressing for some individuals. Be mindful of your well-being and consider whether or not engaging with this content is appropriate for you.

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.

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.