Durham couple not fooled by grandparents’ scam – call police

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice – try, anyway – and arrests will be made.

An older couple, victimized by a grandparents’ scam earlier in August, were ready when they received a phone call last Thursday from a man claiming to be their grandson. The suspect said he was in trouble and needed bail money, a claim ‘supported’ by someone claiming to be an officer of the court who advised them that their grandson had been involved in a car accident injuring a pregnant female and $9,000 was required as bail. The suspect arranged for a ‘bondsman’ or courier to pick up the money.

The couple immediately contacted police. Investigators from the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit attended the area and were able to arrest the suspect without incident.

Further investigation connected the suspect to another incident less than an hour before in which the victims provided $9,000.

Jaaziah Brereton, 22, of Markham, is charged with fraud over $5,000 x2, and possession of proceeds of crime.

Durham Police want to remind residents who receive any unanticipated requests for money to be extremely cautious and speak to a family member or trusted advisor for support.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Middleton of the DRPS – Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5321.