Who is Gareth West, conman behind $30 mn grandparent scam in US?
In a stunning display of audacity, a Montreal-based conman, Gareth West, has been arrested for orchestrating a massive $30 million “grandparent scam” that targeted elderly Americans in 46 states. West, who posed as a real estate mogul, ran call centers that pretended to be distressed grandchildren, duping countless victims into parting with their hard-earned savings.
The scheme, which was uncovered in 2025, has left a trail of financial devastation in its wake, with victims ranging from vulnerable seniors to those who simply got caught up in the con artist’s web of lies. But who is Gareth West, the mastermind behind this elaborate scam? And how did he manage to deceive so many people?
According to investigators, West’s scheme worked like this: he would cold-call elderly Americans, posing as a distressed grandchild who had gotten into a bind, often claiming to be in a foreign country or facing a financial emergency. He would then ask the victim to send money to bail out his supposed predicament, often citing a sense of urgency to avoid further trouble.
What made West’s scam so convincing was his convincing disguise as a real estate mogul. He would claim to be a successful businessman, using fake documents and credentials to establish credibility. He even went so far as to create fake websites and social media profiles, complete with photos and testimonials, to make it seem like he was a legitimate figure.
But behind the façade of respectability, West was operating a sophisticated fraud operation. He would use the money sent by his victims to fund his lavish lifestyle, buying expensive cars, jewelry, and real estate. He even opened several bank accounts in the names of his fake companies, using the money to fuel his criminal enterprise.
The scope of West’s operation was staggering. He managed to deceive victims in 46 states, with losses totaling over $30 million. But it wasn’t just the financial damage that was devastating – the emotional toll on the victims was just as severe. Many of them were left feeling ashamed, embarrassed, and heartbroken, wondering how they could have fallen prey to such a scam.
West’s arrest was the culmination of a lengthy investigation by the US authorities, who worked closely with international law enforcement agencies to track him down. He was arrested in Montreal, Canada, and is now facing extradition to the United States, where he could serve up to 40 years in prison for wire fraud and money laundering.
As the news of West’s arrest spread, victims and their families breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the man behind the scam was finally behind bars. But the experience has left a lasting impact on many of them, who are still struggling to come to terms with what happened.
“I felt like I was the only one who didn’t know what was going on,” said one victim, who wished to remain anonymous. “I was so ashamed, so embarrassed. I didn’t know how to tell my friends and family what had happened.”
Another victim, who lost over $100,000 to West’s scam, echoed similar sentiments. “I was devastated. I felt like I had lost my dignity, my sense of self-worth. It took me months to come to terms with what had happened, to realize that I wasn’t to blame.”
West’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of scams, and the importance of staying vigilant in the face of financial fraud. As the authorities continue to track down and prosecute con artists like West, it’s up to the public to stay informed and take steps to protect themselves.
In conclusion, Gareth West’s grandparent scam is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of financial fraud on individuals and communities. As we continue to grapple with the fallout of this scam, it’s essential that we remember the importance of staying vigilant, and taking steps to protect ourselves from the likes of West.
Source: https://www.breezyscroll.com/world/gareth-west-grandparent-scam-arrest-2025/
