Police arrest woman tied to ‘grandparent scam’ in Burlington

Police in Burlington have arrested a 22-year-old woman in relation to a “grandparent scam” that has been an ongoing trend across the Halton Region.

A “grandparent scam” is described as a type of fraud that typically involves the victim receiving an unsolicited phone call saying a loved one is allegedly in legal or financial distress.

The perpetrators ask for a large sum of money in order for the supposed loved one to be released from custody, or to pay for associated bills or fines.

READ MORE: Burlington resident nearly loses $9,000 to ‘grandparent scam’

On May 25, Halton police were able to interrupt the scam in progress at a Burlington residence.

As a result, Jada Witter-Watts, 22, of Etobicoke was arrested and charged with committing fraud over $5000.

Witter-Watts had gone to the residence to collect $9,500 cash from the victim as alleged bail for his grandchild.

READ MORE: Hamilton couple out $8,000 in ‘grandparent scam’

Police say the caller in this instance identified themselves as an RCMP officer and told the victim to withdraw cash without telling anyone what he was doing.

Anyone who has information or may have also been victimized is encouraged to contact the Regional Fraud Unit – Intake Office at 905-825-4777 ext. 8741.