2 Milton teens charged in Pelham grandparent scam investigation

Two teenage males from Milton have been charged after a Pelham resident reported losing a large sum of money in a grandparent scam, Niagara Regional Police said. Officers responded to the fraud call at a Pelham address on Sept. 4, 2026.

Police said the resident received a call on Sept. 3 from someone pretending to be their nephew. The caller claimed to have been arrested and said bail money was needed. The caller arranged for someone to collect money from the resident’s home.

A courier working for a legitimate delivery company picked up the money and delivered it to someone police described as a suspect. The courier did not know what the package contained, police said.

The same caller contacted the resident again on Sept. 4, asking for more money for legal expenses and arranging another courier pickup. The resident withdrew more money, then contacted their nephew, who said he had not been arrested or asked for money. The resident then called police.

Detectives determined the courier service had been requested by someone in the Milton area and identified two male suspects, police said.

Charges and court

A 17-year-old was arrested on Nov. 7 and a 16-year-old on Nov. 8. Both were charged with fraud under $5,000, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and attempted fraud.

The 17-year-old also faces charges involving proceeds over $5,000, two counts of possessing a card without authorization, possession of an identity document, possession of cocaine and fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of counterfeit money. Both accused were released with future court dates, police said.

Police ask anyone who believes they are a victim of fraud to contact their local police service. Niagara’s non-emergency number is 905-688-4111. The incident number is 26-112010.