A Lashburn man faces fraud and identity fraud charges after RCMP arrested him in connection with a grandparent scam operation that targeted elderly residents across the Battlefords area.
Eric Tiegen, 53, was arrested in late April. He appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on May 25, 2026.
Tiegen is charged with:
• One count of fraud over $5,000 (Section 380(1)(a), Criminal Code)
• Two counts of identity fraud (Section 403, Criminal Code)The investigation began Jan. 9, 2026, when Battlefords RCMP received multiple reports of grandparent scam calls in the detachment area. Callers contacted victims and claimed their grandchild had been in a collision or was already in jail – and that cash was needed immediately for bail. In some cases, callers knew the real name of the victim’s grandchild, making the story harder to dismiss.
After collecting cash from victims in person, callers moved on. RCMP determined the scheme primarily targeted elderly residents.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s North Battleford GIS took over the investigation. The North Battleford Crime Reduction Team and Maidstone RCMP assisted. Investigators credited public tips as a key factor in advancing the case.
“Community assistance played a key role in advancing this investigation,” Saskatchewan RCMP said.
Tiegen is scheduled to return to North Battleford Provincial Court on June 8, 2026 (Information #90581759).
RCMP remind residents that police, lawyers, and government officials will never call asking for cash. If you receive a call claiming a loved one is in legal trouble, hang up and call that person directly using a number you already have. Never agree to meet someone who called asking for money.
Suspected fraud can be reported to Battlefords RCMP at 310-RCMP or anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or saskcrimestoppers.com.
Eric Tiegen is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
