Two Mississauga women have been charged after vulnerable elderly victims were targeted in separate lottery scams across Canada between 2019-2023.
Peel Regional Pole have also obtained an arrest warrant for a Mississauga man in relation to the same incidents.
On Nov. 27 the arrest and warrants were issued after cops say both of the victims were allegedly instructed to send funds to cover fees to collect their winnings and were promised millions of dollars in cash prizes once the fees and taxes were paid.
The first victim, from Thunder Bay, Ont., was allegedly misled into sending over $45,000 to Arja Donaldson, 50, of Mississauga, the latter who was charged with possession of property obtained by crime and fraud over $5000.
The second victim, from Grand Prairie, Alta., was allegedly misled into sending over $10,000 to Latoya Hayden, 37, of Mississauga, and over $2,000 to Andrew Baker, 31, of Mississauga.
Hayden was charged with fraud over $5000 and a warrant for Baker for possession of property obtained by crime has been issued for his arrest.
Peel Regional Police are reminding residents to always avoid sending money or personal information to someone you haven’t met.
For more tips on preventing fraud, visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Anyone with information pertaining to this matter including the location of Baker is asked to call police at 905-453-3311, ext. 3335. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.