A 17-year-old in Guelph was pressured into transferring $1,000 to a stranger after a minor collision on Friday afternoon. According to Guelph Police, the teen was driving his father’s car near Gordon Street and Stone Road when his foot slipped off the brake, causing a light bump into the car ahead at a red light.
The other driver exited his vehicle, angrily claimed there was $1,000 in “internal damage,” and told the teen he wouldn’t report the incident to police if he was paid the money. Overwhelmed, the teen allowed the man to access his phone and transfer $1,000 from his bank account.
The incident came to light on Monday when the teen’s mother contacted police. Officers reached out to the man, who later returned the money. Police noted the man’s vehicle appeared to be in poor condition with no visible damage and said he was educated on proper collision reporting and the criminal implications of extortion.