A Windsor woman decided to turn the tables on a potential scammer when a man called her claiming to be her grandson in need of bail money.
Bonnie Bednarik was the target of a "grandparent scam" Wednesday afternoon. The suspect called her and said he was her grandson had just been arrested after being in a car accident. He stated he needed $9,300 for bail money.
Bednarik said she knew right away the call was a scam because she used a fake name for her grandson and the fraudster went along with it.
She told the person she would call the bank and to call back in 15 minutes. Instead of calling the bank, Bednarik called the Windsor Police Service.
"I thought, I'm going to lead this guy on and see where it goes and fortunately it was a good outcome," said Bednarik.
Investigators were able to coordinate with the citizen and set up static surveillance. When two suspects came to collect the money, the officers made an arrest.
After the arrest, police found two packages with money inside from two previous scams. Police were able to identify one of the victims and returned the money.
"'I feel absolutely wonderful that these people got their money back. I had hoped that they would catch the individuals but I never dreamt that they would recover money for these other people," said Bednarik.
A 19-year-old man from Windsor and a 22-year-old man from Tecumseh have been charged with fraud over $5,000.
The Windsor Police Financial Crimes Unit has investigated over a dozen similar calls in the last month. They are investigating whether any of the cases are connected.
Sergeant Rob Durling indicated police may not be able to set up surveillance in every situation but they want anyone who receives a call like this to report it.
"I want people to call us so that way we know what's going on and then we can take whatever course of action we're going to take," said Durling. "Whether that's set up static surveillance like we did [Wednesday] or go and meet somebody, whatever the case may be."
Bednarik hopes all Windsor seniors stay vigilant.
"First of all, you never give them your grandson or your granddaughter's name, you ask them what the name is. You call the police, you call your family, do not give money to anybody you don't know," said Bednarik. "My goal being here is to make Windsor the city that fraudsters don't want to come to."
Sgt. Durling says the best thing to do is not engage with anyone you don't know on the phone or at your door.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Financial Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700 ext. 4330.
