Cobourg Police have arrested and charged four individuals from the Greater Toronto Area following an investigation into a $140,000 fraud targeting a senior resident.
In July 2025, the Cobourg Police Service (CPS) launched an investigation after an 86-year-old woman was defrauded of approximately $140,000 between June and July 2025. The victim received a phone call from an individual claiming to be a PayPal employee reporting suspicious activity on her bank accounts. The suspect offered to assist in protecting her accounts. Over time, the fraudster gained the victim’s trust and persuaded her to provide personal and financial information. A series of fraudulent transactions occurred.
As a result of the investigation, the CPS Criminal Investigation Bureau identified the four suspects from the Greater Toronto Area. On June 8 and June 9, 2026, Naomi OSIFO (23-year-old female), Obichukwu ONYEMA (26-year-old man), Augustine EWEMADE (32-year-old man), and Gift NOSAKHARE (24-year-old woman) were arrested and charged with:
- Fraud Over $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Obtaining Property by False Pretense
All four accused were released on an undertaking with a future court date of September 9, 2026.
Cobourg Police remind residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from financial institutions or service providers, never share personal or financial information, and verify requests by contacting organizations directly using trusted contact information. If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, report the incident to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
