Fraudster convicted of massive 'grandparent scam'
BRAMPTON — A Toronto man has been found guilty of masterminding a giant telephone fraud that targets seniors after elderly residents in Mississauga and across North America were bilked of more than $250,000.
Peel Regional Police's Fraud Bureau calls it one of the biggest "grandparent scams" detectives have ever seen.
Johnnathan Hunter, 43, was found guilty by Justice John Sproat today of two counts of defrauding the public, along with possession of stolen property and breach of recognizance. Under the Criminal Code, he faces 14 years in jail and will be back in court Sept. 23 for sentencing. Hunter remains in custody.
Following a joint investigation by Peel and Toronto police, Hunter was arrested in connection with the scam. Investigators say more than 100 elderly people in Peel and across Canada and the U.S. fell victim to the scam and were swindled out of more than $250,000.
Police, who launched their probe in late 2009 and arrested Hunter in October 2010, say victims received a phone call from an individual claiming to be their grandchild. The person tells the victim they are in trouble and require immediate financial assistance. They impress upon the victim that it's an urgent matter, and that they don't want other family members to be made aware. They then request money from the victim and give clear instructions on how to send the cash.
In this scam, Hunter used different scenarios to sell his case to victims, court heard. On several occasions, he said he had a car accident out of province, or out of country. He then requested a sum of money immediately to resolve the situation.
In another case, he claimed he was in another country, out of money and in need of financial assistance to get home.
Hunter initially faced 39 charges, but police and Crown prosecutor Mike Morris "streamlined" the charges into two counts of defrauding the public.
Some victims were flown in to tell their story in Brampton court, while others appeared via video link. Some, police say, were too frail to even testify.
While awaiting trial on the fraud charges, Hunter was charged and convicted of attempting to obstruct justice and counselling to commit perjury after officers learned he arranged for a surety who was a complete stranger, and whom he had recruited for the sole purpose of being granted bail. He was sentenced to one year in jail for that incident.
