PA MediaTwo people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud offences after a family sent about £17,000 to a person pretending to be a social worker.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the money was transferred over a nine-month period and they arrested a man in his 30s along with a woman in her 20s in Sheffield on Thursday.
The pair, who live in Greater Manchester, remain in custody for questioning on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
It follows the arrest of another man in his 30s in October, who is on bail pending further investigations.
GMP appealed for anyone with information to contact them.