Local police arrest three suspects involved in notorious phone scam

By BRENDAN MILLER on July 30, 2025.

bmiller@medicinehatnews.com

Three individuals from Medicine Hat have been charged following an in-depth investigation into the infamous “grandparent” phone scam which targets aging residents.

Taranveer Singh, 21, Gursewak Singh, 22, and Harmonjot Kaur, 23, are charged with fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000 for alleged involvement in a recent phone scam.

Additionally, Kaur faces a money laundering charge.

On June 18 a couple was connected by the scammers who claimed that a family member of theirs was in legal trouble and required immediate bail money.

“For instance, this one was involved in a road traffic collision and needed money for bail, and then quickly, another person comes on the phone, pretending to be the person’s lawyer,” explains Staff Sgt. Darren Lole. “And then they make the negotiation, saying “we need some money for bail for the individual,” it’s always shrouded in some sort of urgency and secrecy.”

Police say the victims believed their story and withdrew a “substantial” undisclosed amount of cash from their bank.

A courier was then arranged to attend the couples home and collect the funds in person.

However, through intensive investigative work, the Major Crime Unit identified and arrested the three suspects believed to be responsible for the scam.

“A number of judicial authorizations were executed and resulted in the recovery of evidence directly linking the suspects to the offences,” reads a press release.

Police told the News the suspects’ bank accounts have been frozen and the couple can work with Victims Assistance to claim for restitution.

The suspects were released on conditions and are scheduled to appear before court Aug 20.

Scammers commonly pressure seniors to send financial aid immediately over the phone and pretend to be family members, friends of the family who are in need of assistance.

“They’re very good at what they do and some people, especially elderly people, are very trusting,” said Lole. “And when they’re targeted in this manner, it’s not until some point later in the scam, perhaps when they do speak to a family member, that they realize that they have been a victim of a scam.”

Police say it’s important to reach out to a trusted family member before sending any money to someone you don’t know or is using high pressure tactics, despite telling the victim not to verify the legitimacy of the phone call.

“What they’ll normally say is, don’t tell grandma or don’t tell my mom, there should be no secrecy like that,” said Lole. “So reach out to a trusted family member, if that’s not available to you, reach out to the police service and talk it through, or even the bank teller.”

An example Lole provides is to speak with a teller about why you are withdrawing money.

“They’ll advise you accordingly.”

Scammers will typically ask for the payments to be wired to them or will request the codes from gift cards as well as sending a courier to collect cash.

Police are also reminding residents to properly destroy any personal documents that you throw away.

“Don’t throw away documents with your names and address and this type of thing, make sure you use or attend a shredding event, or you dispose of mail or any of the documents that you have appropriately so you protect your identity.”

Last October, Medicine Hat police arrested and charged three suspects for their involvement in a similar phone scam targeting aging residents in the community.

23
-22