An Indo-Canadian man who scammed grandparents in Calgary was caught red handed as tried to collect the cash. Police charged Nishaan Singh Sandhu, dubbed the “Grandparent scammer”,   with one count of fraud over $5,000. He was released on bail with conditions from the police. Sandhu is set to appear in court on Oct. 14.

CALGARY – An Indo-Canadian man who scammed grandparents in Calgary was caught red handed as tried to collect the cash.

Police charged 21-year-old Nishaan Singh Sandhu, dubbed the “Grandparent scammer”,   with one count of fraud over $5,000. He was released on bail with conditions from the police.

Sandhu is set to appear in court on Oct. 14.

Police say an 81-year-old man received a call at around 9 a.m. on Sept. 9 from a man claiming to be the lawyer for his grandson.

They add that the caller told the victim their grandson was in the U.S. and needed $12,000 in bail money. He was also told not to speak to anyone.

The victim was visited by a man (Sandhu) half an hour later to collect the $12,000.

Officers say the victim received another call from someone claiming to be the “lawyer’s supervisor” saying they need an additional $10,000.

While at the bank, police say a bank employee told the victim to call their grandson to double-check that he’s in need of help.

They add that his grandson said he was fine while also in the U.S. and not in need of financial help.

The victim called the police, and they decided to wait in the victim’s home.

Sandhu arrived at around 4 p.m. to collect the money, where he was soon arrested by police.

 “These scammers are really good at what they do. They are convincing and they prey on seniors’ generosity, trustworthiness and desire to help their loved ones,” said S Sgt. Kurt Jacobs.

“They are able to use personal information obtained from a number of methods to make their lies seem real. It takes all of us to protect our seniors and loved ones. Have conversations with your family members, watch out for seniors making strange transactions either at financial institutes or through gift cards and report any suspicious behaviour.”

Police want to remind people that bail payments can only be paid in person at the courthouse or correctional centres. Receipts are also issued.

Canadian currency, debit, and credit cards are accepted as payment. Gift cards, e-transfers, and cheques are not accepted.

They also say that funds will never be transferred to other accounts.

Finally, police say, in most situations, the person needing bail will make the phone call themselves and not the police.

Anyone with information about similar incidents is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or leave a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.