The Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) has arrested two individuals in connection to a grandparent scam, following two separate incidents reported on August 19th, 2025.

At approximately 5:10 p.m. on August 19th, 2025, GSPS received a report from a community member who had been contacted by an individual claiming to be her grandson. The “grandson” stated he was in jail and requested a substantial sum of money for bail. The victim agreed to provide the funds, which were subsequently collected in person by two individuals at her residence.

Later that evening, at approximately 6:10 p.m., GSPS received a second report involving a similar scam. In this case, the victim received multiple phone calls from an individual whose voice closely resembled that of his grandson. The “grandson” was accompanied by others posing as a police officer and a lawyer, who requested a large cash payment and attempted to collect it in person. The victim did not provide any money and was able to provide police with detailed descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle.

Based on the information provided, members of the GSPS Break, Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit located the suspect vehicle in the area of Paris Street and Regent Street. Shortly before 11:00 p.m., Patrol officers conducted a traffic stop on Long Lake Road. A man and woman were arrested without incident and taken to police headquarters where they are being held in police custody.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a large sum of cash, cell phones and multiple pieces of fraudulent identification.

37-year-old Marcos Varela of Quebec has been charged with the following offences pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada:

  • Fraud Over $5,000 (X2)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
  • Breach of Release Order
  • Breach of Probation

46-year-old Melanie Desaulniers of Quebec has been charged with the following offences pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada and the Highway Traffic Act:

  • Fraud Over $5000 (X2)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
  • Driving while under suspension

They will attend Bail Court on August 20th, 2025, to answer to the charges.

Public Advisory:

Investigators believe there may be additional victims associated with this fraudulent activity. Anyone with information or who may have been targeted by a similar scam is encouraged to contact GSPS at 705-675-9171.

Grandparent scams are designed to exploit emotional vulnerability and create a sense of urgency. Scammers may use voice cloning technology or personal information obtained online to appear credible.

Tips to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones:

  • Take time to verify any urgent claims. Scammers rely on panic and quick decisions.
  • Contact your child or grandchild directly to confirm their situation.
  • Never send money or share banking information with unknown individuals.
  • Avoid disclosing personal details such as your address to unfamiliar callers.
  • Speak with elderly family members about these types of scams, especially if they are not active online.
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