'Grandparent scam': Calgary man facing fraud charges in Sherwood Park

A 40-year-old man from Calgary is facing a fraud charge after Mounties allege he collected thousands of dollars as part of a "grandparent scam" in Strathcona County.
"On May 9, the victim received a call from a male claiming to be their grandson who needed $8,000 US for bail money," Const. Chantelle Kelly wrote in a Thursday release.
"Another male claiming to be a police officer corroborated the story and advised their grandson had been arrested for drug possession and required bail money before being released from jail."
RCMP allege a man went to the home of the victim and collected the money, before it was realized it was a scam.
"The following day (the victim) received another phone call requesting additional money and arranged another pick up at the residence. The victim contacted police to report the scam," Kelly explained.
RCMP arrested Jeb Trim of Calgary and he was charged with fraud over $5,000.
Police shared a photo of Trim because they believe he may have defrauded other people.
Trim was released from custody but is scheduled to appear in Sherwood Park Provincial Court on June 1.
RCMP released tips on what to do if people call you asking for money:
- "Get off the phone and call or text the person who (supposedly) called. If you can’t reach them, check with a family member to get the real story. Even if the scammer said not to."
- "Don’t give your address, personal information, or cash to anyone who contacts you."
Anyone with information regarding Trim is asked to call Strathcona County RCMP Detachment at 780-467-7741 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia strikes Kyiv as Western leaders meet in Europe
Russia shattered weeks of relative calm in the Ukrainian capital with long-range missiles fired toward Kyiv early Sunday, an apparent Kremlin show-of-force as Western leaders meet in Europe to strengthen their military and economic support of Ukraine.

Trudeau mocks 'bare-chested horseback riding' Putin as G7 leaders meet in Germany
Russian President Valdimir Putin was a target of mockery by leaders of the Group of Seven, as they sat around a table Sunday, commencing their three-day summit in Bavarian Alps, Germany.
U.S. Ambassador Cohen on inflation, the convoy protests, abortion rights and gun control
David Cohen has been the United States' Ambassador to Canada since November 2021, and in the time since, both Canada and the United States have experienced a series of shared challenges. In an interview at his official residence in Ottawa, Cohen opens up about the state of the relationship.
Canada pledges funds as G7 develops response to famine fallout from Russian invasion
Canada pledged $50 million to prevent Ukrainian grain from going to waste on Sunday as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to work with G7 nations on further measures to halt the famine caused by the Russian invasion of the embattled country.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'turning point' in world history: defence chief
Canada's chief of defence says Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to change the course of history.
Live updates: G7 nations seek to counter Chinese influence
The latest on the G7 summit: The Group of Seven leading democratic economies has formally launched at its annual summit a global infastructure and investment partnership aimed at pushing back China's influence in the developing world.
Norway mourns victims of Oslo shooting with memorial service
Norway's prime minister and members of the royal family joined mourners at a memorial service Sunday at Oslo Cathedral for the victims of a shooting attack as the capital held its annual LGBTQ Pride festival.
People with COVID-19 can infect and sicken cats and dogs by cuddling them: study
Cat and dog owners who cuddle their pets when infected with COVID-19 could end up making the animals sick with the virus, according to a Canadian study.
Rate of extreme rainfall expected to increase dramatically by 2100
New research looking at the frequency of heavy rainfall across the globe shows that a drastic increase in downpours is expected over the years to come.