BUSTED: Ringleader of $30M grandparent scam network preying on unsuspecting seniors finally arrested

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From the New York Post: The ringleader of a $30 million scam network that preyed on seniors across a staggering 46 states has finally been arrested and now faces decades in prison for the alleged fraud.

Gareth West of Canada was taken in custody Friday for the scamming ring, in which callers phoned the older Americans, pretending they were their grandchildren who had been arrested or hurt and were desperate for cash, according to the Economic Times.

The worried elders were pressured to act fast and not tell other family members about the dire situation.

The scammers would then connect the victims to phony lawyers or bail agents and facilitate getting the money, even using ride-share services or couriers, the outlet reported.

The report explains that West operated under the guise of being a successful real estate developer in Montreal, but in reality, he hired dozens of people to help him with the ‘grandparent scam,’ working from call centers in the Montreal area and spoofing American phone numbers.

Meanwhile, West was raking in the dough from elderly American victims, and living it up with a high-end lifestyle that included luxury cars, properties and travel.

He was arrested by Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the request of US officials.  In all, 23 people were participating in the scheme were taken into custody.

West appears to have stopped posting on X in March of last year. In his last post, he bragged, “Transitioned towards a future of wealth with a focus on long-term investments in Ontario’s multi-unit residential buildings. Here’s to growth and sustainability!”

READ MORE from the New York Post.

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