The victim received a phone call from an individual impersonating a bank investigator who claimed the victim’s account had been flagged for money laundering
NEWS RELEASE
HAMILTON POLICE
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The Hamilton Police Service Crimes Against Seniors Unit has arrested and charged a woman in connection with a fraud targeting an elderly victim through a “bank investigator” scam.
The victim received a phone call from an individual impersonating a bank investigator, who claimed the victim’s account had been flagged for money laundering. The caller instructed the victim to transfer funds from his account to another account. Believing the request to be legitimate, the victim complied.
Following a lengthy investigation, Janella Menjivar Mollison (25), of Hamilton, was arrested on Thursday, April 8, 2026. She has been charged with:
- Fraud Over $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
She was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Hamilton Police are reminding the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from financial institutions.
- Never share banking passwords, PINs, or security codes.
- Do not click links in unsolicited banking messages.
- If contacted about a compromised account, end the call and contact your bank directly using the number on your bank card or visit in person.
- Be aware that scammers can spoof phone numbers, making it appear as though your bank is calling.
- Banks will never ask you to transfer money to another account or individual.
If you receive suspicious communications, report them to your financial institution and the Hamilton Police Service.
If you have lost money or shared personal information, report the incident to Hamilton Police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Fraud Prevention Tips
- Hang up and verify emergency claims by contacting family members directly using known numbers.
- If someone claims to be law enforcement, hang up and call your local police using a trusted number.
- Be cautious of urgent requests for money involving distressed loved ones.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it likely is.
- Be aware that bail cannot be paid with cash or cryptocurrency in Canada.
- Limit personal information shared online.
- Do not trust caller ID—numbers can be manipulated (“spoofed”).
For more information on protecting yourself from fraud, visit:
https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/emergency-urgence-eng.htm
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hamilton Police Service. To provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.
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