GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Gatlinburg Police Department said a Canadian man has been arrested after he allegedly scammed an elderly Gatlinburg man out of $200,000.

An investigation began on Monday when GPD said it received a report of possible internet fraud.

The victim was initially contacted through Facebook in early July and was persuaded to invest in what was presented as a legitimate investment opportunity, GPD said.

After making an initial investment of $2,000, GPD said he was urged to give additional money to grow the investment. During an in-person meeting on July 21, he gave people who identified themselves as communications staff of the purported investment firm $200,000 in cash.

GPD said after adding the cash to the initial investment, his investment reached $1.3 million

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