The victim of a grandparent scam is to be commended for assisting police in the arrest of the scammer, 34-year-old Luiggi Giovanni Yataco of Quebec, yesterday, October 5, 2023, in Gander.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., on Thursday, Gander RCMP received a report of a suspected scam that had occurred in Gander. Commonly referred to as the "grandparent scam", the victim received a phone call from an individual posing as the victim's grandchild, stating that they were in trouble with the law and needed money for bail. It is believed that the scammer used technology to mimic the voice of the grandchild. A second individual, who provided a name and identified himself as legal counsel for the grandchild, informed the victim of the need for bail money. The victim was advised that someone would attend the residence to pick up the money. The money was picked up and a short time later, the victim received a second call from the scammer indicating that the charges against the grandchild were now more serious and a further sum of money was required. The victim became suspicious, completed some checks on the information that was provided and attended the police detachment to make a report.
Working with the police, the victim contacted the scammer and arranged for the second sum of money to be picked up at the residence. When the man arrived at the victim's residence, he was arrested by Gander RCMP and was identified as Yataco. The suspect was further identified by the victim as being the same man who came to the residence earlier in the day for the first payment of funds.
The investigation led officers to the seizure of a vehicle that was parked behind a nearby business in Gander.
Officers are working on identifying a second individual involved and investigating a number of reports of related frauds in the area. Further charges are possible.
Yataco attends court today with two charges of fraud over $5000.00.
For those who attended the detachment yesterday, police are looking to gain further information and ask that you return to the detachment.
RCMP NL warns the public of scams such as this and applauds the victim of this crime for actions taken that assisted police with the arrest of the suspect.