(Coniston, ON - March 18, 2025) – Greater Sudbury Police have arrested two individuals in connection with a fraudulent scheme that targeted a local senior through a common "grandparent scam."
According to authorities, a Coniston resident was first contacted on March 10, 2025, by a caller posing as her grandson. The caller claimed he had been involved in a car accident and required a large sum of money for bail. Believing the request to be genuine, the victim agreed to provide the funds. Shortly thereafter, an individual arrived at her home to collect the cash.
Three days later, on March 13, the victim received a second call—this time from someone claiming to be her grandson’s lawyer. The caller requested additional funds for legal fees, and once again, the same individual returned to the residence to collect the money.
Following an investigation, police identified and arrested 26-year-old Sagar Sharma on March 15. Sharma has been charged with two counts of Personation with Intent and two counts of Fraud Over $5,000 under the Criminal Code of Canada. He appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) Court on March 15.
Further investigation led to the arrest of a second suspect, 42-year-old Benjamin Alexander, on March 16. Authorities believe Alexander was responsible for handling the money after it was collected from the victim. He faces multiple charges, including Personation with Intent, Fraud Over $5,000, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, and Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime. Alexander remains in police custody and is scheduled to appear in Bail Court on March 17.
Police suspect there may be additional victims connected to this scam and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Those who believe they have been targeted in a similar fraud scheme are encouraged to contact police at 705-675-9171.
Authorities continue to warn the public about such scams, reminding residents to verify unexpected financial requests and consult with family members or law enforcement before handing over any money.