Two Milton Teenagers Charged in a Grandparent Scam Investigated by Niagara Police

Two Milton teenagers are facing charges in what police describe as a grandparent scam that targeted a resident in the Niagara area earlier this fall, according to FM101 Milton Now. Because both accused are under 18, their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and cannot be published.

What Happened

Niagara Regional Police say the case began on September 3, when a resident of Pelham received a phone call from someone claiming to be their nephew. The caller allegedly said he had been arrested and needed money for bail. Police say the resident withdrew cash, which was then collected from their home by a courier. According to police, the courier worked for a legitimate delivery company and did not know the money was connected to a crime.

Police say the caller contacted the resident again the following day, this time asking for money toward legal fees. When the resident arranged a second pickup, they first called their actual nephew, who confirmed he had not been arrested and had not asked for any money. The resident then contacted police. Investigators later determined that the courier had been requested by someone in the Milton area.

Key Details

• A 17-year-old Milton boy was arrested on Saturday, November 7. Police have charged him with offences that include fraud under $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime, attempting to commit fraud, unauthorized use of credit cards, possession of an identity document, drug-related charges, and possession of counterfeit money.

• A 16-year-old Milton boy was arrested on Sunday, November 8 and faces charges of fraud under $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime, and attempting to commit fraud.

• Both teens were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

• The identities of both accused are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and cannot be published. None of the charges have been tested in court.

Community Impact

Emergency scams like this one, often called grandparent scams, typically target older residents by creating a sense of panic about a loved one in trouble. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre advises anyone who receives such a call to stay calm, resist pressure to act quickly, and verify the story by contacting the family member directly using a known phone number before sending any money. Residents are also reminded that legitimate authorities do not collect bail money through couriers.

Background

Grandparent and "emergency" scams have been reported across Ontario in recent years, with fraudsters posing as relatives or legal officials to pressure victims into handing over cash. Police and fraud-prevention agencies continue to encourage families to talk with older relatives about how these schemes work and to agree on a way to verify an urgent call before any money changes hands.

Source: FM101 Milton Now — https://www.miltonnow.ca/2026/11/11/milton-teens-arrested-in-niagara-area-grandparent-scam/

This article is a rewritten summary based on publicly available information. Milton Baithak does not claim ownership of original source reporting. For corrections or removal requests, please contact Milton Baithak.