21-year-old from Surrey charged with fraud over $5,000 for alleged ‘grandparent scam’ involving 88-year-old Chilliwack woman
Mandeep Singh charged in late May, first court appearance in September
A 21-year-old Surrey man is facing a serious criminal charge in connection with an alleged case of the “grandparent scam” where an 88-year-old Chilliwack woman sent him more than $5,000.
Mandeep Singh was charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 on May 29 after an investigation going back to October 2025.
The elderly woman reportedly received a call from an individual she thought was her grandson who said he needed money for bail. After sending him a “substantial amount of cash,” according to the Chilliwack RCMP, whom she was directed to meet in person.
The alleged fraudster got greedy and asked for even more money. That’s when the woman got suspicious and contacted police.
After an investigation, police were able to identify a suspect and return “a large amount of money” to the victim.
Singh was arrested on an endorsed warrant and charged under conditions pending his first court appearance on Sept. 9, 2026.
An endorsed warrant is different than a more common unendorsed in that an endorsed warrant means police arrest an individual who is charged and they can release them with a return date in court. An unendorsed warrant means the person arrested needs to be taken into custody until they can get in front of a judge.
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In a news release issued about the case, police remind the public to be vigilant about possible fraud. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre provides tips and educational resources on its website.
“Police will never ask for money over the phone,” said Const. Hannah Sutton.
“Individuals involved in this type of scam often create a sense of urgency and may tell victims they cannot speak to anyone else to prevent family members from intervening.”
Anyone who believes they or a loved one may be a victim of fraud is encouraged to contact the Chilliwack RCMP. If it is an emergency, call 911.
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Paul J. Henderson
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