Media Release – December 19, 2025

Guelph man loses $95k in investment scam

Residents are again reminded to be cautious when dealing with strangers online after a Guelph man lost more than $95,000 through an investment scam.

On Thursday, the man in his 20s reported he responded to a social media ad in September and was redirected to a group on a popular chatting app which he believed was connected to a legitimate investment brokerage.

Throughout October he made a series of e-transfers, then began “borrowing” funds from the company to fund his investments and immediately repaying those supposed loans from his and his wife’s bank accounts.

Earlier this month, he attempted to withdraw funds from the investments and was told he must pay a 20 per cent commission on any profits, but it must be paid from his bank account rather than deducted from his balance. He became suspicious and demanded an in-person meeting with a company representative. He was given an address in Toronto but attended to find it was fake.

The matter remains under investigation. Residents should be aware of online solicitation or investment opportunities, and conduct thorough research before signing anything or sending money.

Friends both arrested for impaired

Two friends were both arrested for impaired driving following a driving complaint Thursday evening.

Just after 6:30 p.m. police were called to the parking lot of a Clair Road East business. Witnesses reported a man had exited one business and appeared intoxicated. He drove his vehicle erratically through the parking lot, striking several curbs, before parking the car in the lot of another nearby business.

A short time later he was met by a friend, who got into the vehicle and moved it within the parking lot. Officers spoke to both men and noted both appeared to be intoxicated. Both were arrested and transported to the police station, where tests revealed each had more than twice the legal limit of alcohol in their system.

Two Guelph men, aged 32 and 30, are charged with impaired driving. The older man is also charged with possessing a controlled substance after officers found a small amount of cocaine. Both had their licences suspended for 90 days and the older man’s vehicle was impounded for seven days. They were released with upcoming court dates.

The Guelph Police Service would like to encourage the public to consume alcohol and cannabis responsibly. Please don’t drive if you are going to consume alcohol or cannabis, and please ensure that you plan ahead so that you have a safe ride home. Anyone who spots a suspected impaired driver is asked to immediately call 911.

Sextortion attempt

Residents are again urged not to share intimate images online after a Guelph man this week found himself the target of a ‘sextortion’ attempt.

Early Thursday, a man in his 20s contacted police. He said he had met a woman on a dating app and she asked to switch to a chatting app. They had an intimate video chat, however the woman ended the call and then contacted the complainant to say she had recorded the video.

She sent the man screenshots of his social media followers and threatened to send them the video unless he paid $7,000. The man instead contacted police.

It is believed the suspect is located in Asia.

Intimate images should not be shared online, as they can be saved and redistributed at any time. If someone requests such images -- especially someone not personally known to you – do not comply and cease communicating with them.

Total calls for service in the last 24 hours - 221