Saskatoon police arrest suspect in 'grandparent emergency scam'

A 25-year-old man is under arrest after allegedly stealing around $100,000 from people in Saskatoon using a con known as the "grandparent emergency scam."

Police arrested the man on Jan. 10 on the 400 block of Nelson Road. Police said in a news release they suspect the man stole the money in $9,000 to $9,800 increments. The frauds date back to Dec. 21.

He appeared in provincial court Jan. 11 facing seven counts of fraud over $5,000. More charges may be coming, police said.

"In each case, it was reported to investigators that victims handed over money to a man claiming to be a courier, bailiffor bail bondsman," police said.

"Generally, the suspect(s)have personal details regarding the victim's family and friends upon initial contact. While it has not been confirmed, investigators believe this personal information might have been accessed online."