Sherbrooke Police Seek Public Help in Grandparent Scam Investigation

Sherbrooke, February 27, 2025 – The Sherbrooke Police Service (SPS) is calling on the public to help identify suspects involved in a series of grandparent scams that have targeted local residents in recent months.

The fraud cases, reported from late 2024 to early 2025, involve scammers posing as financial institution representatives to trick victims—primarily seniors—into handing over their bank cards and PINs.

How the Scam Works

Victims receive a fraudulent phone call, often from someone claiming to be from Desjardins or SQ law enforcement. They falsely informs them of suspicious transactions on their account and advises them that their cards need to be canceled. A so-called representative, sometimes identifying himself as Simon Pelletier or Simon Dubé, then arrives at the victim’s home to collect the cards in a sealed envelope.

One victim, realizing the fraud too late, reported losing $4,500, while another was scammed out of $3,000. The stolen funds were used for purchases in Sherbrooke businesses and ATM withdrawals.

Suspects and Vehicle Description

Authorities believe multiple individuals may be involved, including:

• A young man in his twenties, with shoulder-length hair, dressed in black.
  

• A 5’7″ Caucasian male, slim, with a mustache, wearing a grey hoodie and Nike shoes.
  

• Another suspect, also Caucasian, seen wearing a black hoodie with white floral patterns, dark pants, and black-and-white sneakers.

The suspects were last seen traveling in a burgundy 2009 Honda Civic.

Police Investigation Ongoing

The SPS continues to investigate the scam and urges anyone with information on the suspects to contact them at 819-821-5555 or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-711-1800.

Authorities remind residents, especially seniors, to be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting personal or banking information. Banks and law enforcement will never ask for PINs or send someone to collect cards.