A Huntsville woman has been charged after Ontario Provincial Police investigated an alleged fraud involving a cheque belonging to a 101-year-old local resident. Police say the investigation began after a bank reported concerns about a cheque a woman attempted to deposit.

A Huntsville woman is facing criminal charges after police investigated an alleged fraud involving a 101-year-old senior.

Ontario Provincial Police say the investigation began on May 21 after officers were contacted by a bank in Huntsville. Bank staff had reportedly raised concerns after a woman attempted to deposit a cheque believed to be fraudulent.

Police say the investigation determined that the cheque belonged to a local Huntsville resident who is 101 years old.

Crystal Shambrook, 45, of Huntsville, was charged on June 2 with fraud under $5,000 and obtaining by false pretence. The allegations have not been proven in court.

She is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on July 21.

The case highlights the financial risks faced by older adults, particularly where cheques, bank accounts, or personal financial documents are involved. Seniors may be targeted because they are perceived as vulnerable, isolated, or less likely to immediately detect unauthorized financial activity.

Banks can play an important role in identifying potential fraud when transactions appear unusual or raise concerns. In this case, police say the matter was reported by a Huntsville bank, leading to the investigation and charges.

Fraud involving seniors can take many forms, including unauthorized cheque use, forged documents, misuse of trust, online scams, romance scams, investment fraud, and pressure tactics involving family members or acquaintances.

Families and caregivers can help reduce risk by encouraging seniors to review bank statements regularly, secure cheque books and financial documents, and report suspicious transactions promptly. Seniors should also be cautious about allowing others access to banking information, identification, or signed documents.

Anyone who suspects elder financial abuse or fraud should contact local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.