Toronto man facing more charges for alleged ‘grandparent scam’

A Toronto man is facing more charges for an alleged “grandparent scam.” Peel police claim the 41 year old, who was in jail for alleged frauds, convinced a stranger to post his bail.

Jonnathan Hunter, 41, appeared in a Brampton court on Sept. 26 for a hearing where he allegedly secured his release by convincing a stranger to grant him bail.

He was facing charges of defrauding the public, possession of stolen property and breach of recognizance in an investigation that began in November 2009.

Police started to receive several complaints where victims would receive a phone call from a ”grandchild” who needed financial assistance immediately due to an emergency. The victims would then wire money through Western Union. There are numerous alleged victims reported from Canada and the United States.

Hunter was arrested and charged on Oct. 26, 2010, and was ordered to remain in custody at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton, Ont.

Now he’s facing more charges related to the alleged bail incident, including attempting to obstruct justice and counselling to commit the indictable offence of perjury. He appeared in court the same day he was charged — Oct. 14 — and remains in custody.

Investigators believe he may have tried to contact other individuals wrongfully to receive assistance on his bail.

Anyone with information can call the Fraud Bureau at 905-453-2121 Ext. 3335 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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