A 21-year-old Surrey man has been charged with fraud after scamming an 88-year old Chilliwack woman out of money last year.
Mandeep Singh was arrested and charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 on May 29.
The investigation began on Oct. 11, 2025 when Chilliwack RCMP responded to a report of an elderly woman being defrauded of a significant sum of money in what is commonly known as a “grandparent scam,” police stated in a June 11 press release.
The senior victim received a phone call from a person she believed to be her grandson, claiming he needed money for bail.
RCMP said she gave a “substantial” amount cash to someone she was directed to meet in person. When additional funds were requested, the victim became suspicious and reported the incident to police.
Police were able to identify Singh and also recovered a “large amount of the money” which has since been returned to the victim.
He was arrested and later released on conditions pending his first court appearance on Sept. 9.
“Police will never ask for money over the phone,” said Const. Hannah Sutton, media relations officer with the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment. “Individuals involved in this type of scam often create a sense of urgency and may tell victims they cannot speak to anyone else to prevent family members from intervening.”
Police are reminding the public to remain vigilant and to take steps to protect themselves from fraud. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre provides tips and educational resources on its website at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
Anyone who believes they or a loved one may be a victim of fraud is encouraged to contact the Chilliwack RCMP. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Jenna Hauck is a journalist with The Chilliwack Progress. Email her at jenna.hauck@theprogress.com