Two women have been charged, and a third person is wanted in connection with alleged lottery scams that targeted vulnerable elderly victims from across Canada between 2019 and 2023.
Peel Regional Police (PRP) says two arrests were made on Nov. 27, 2024, after elderly victims were tricked into believing they had won a lottery sweepstakes.
Police said in both cases, the victims — one from Thunder Bay, Ont. and the other from Grand Prairie, Alta. — were ordered to send funds to cover fees to collect their winnings and were allegedly promised millions of dollars in cash prizes once the fees and taxes were paid.
The Ontario victim was misled into sending over $45,000 to Arja Donaldson, a 50-year-old woman from Mississauga. She was arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime and fraud over $5,000.
The Alberta victim sent $10,000 to Latoya Hayden, a 37-year-old Mississauga woman, and another $2,000 to Andrew Baker, 31, also from Mississauga.
Police said Hayden was arrested and charged with fraud over $5,000.
Baker remains wanted, and police issued a warrant for possession of property obtained by crime for his arrest.
The two women are expected to appear in court at a later date.
“The Fraud Bureau protects individuals, groups, and vulnerable persons in our community. Our most vulnerable population are often targeted, manipulated, and taken advantage of in many fraud-related schemes for the fraudster’s profit,” PRP wrote in a news release.
“Peel Regional Police would like to remind our residents that scammers will use any means necessary to convince you that their requests are legitimate.”
Anyone with information is asked to come forward.
