Tag: Scam

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OPP Police Press Releases Quinte West

Fake Gold Scammers Arrested

(QUINTE WEST, ON) – The Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid charges following a complaint of two individuals selling fake gold jewellery.

On April 18, 2024, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Quinte West OPP received a complaint whereby the victim was defrauded of over $3700. The victim was approached by the accused, at a service station on the 401, selling gold jewellery. After spending $3735 on rings and chains, the victim advised they wished to purchase more, leaving the service station with the agreement the accused would follow them to a destination where the victim could retrieve more funds. Upon closer inspection of the purchased jewellery the victim contacted the OPP, whilst the accused were still following their vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Glen Miller Road, Quinte West, and as a result of the investigation two individuals were arrested, resulting in a further $3116 cash, 9.8oz of fake gold jewellery and five counterfeit Apple Air Pods being confiscated.

Sergiu OINESCU, 43 years old from Scarborough, has been charged with the following offences:

  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000 – in Canada
  • Fraud under $5000

Ionela BOCEANU, 42 years old from Scarborough, has been charged with Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000 – in Canada

Both accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on May 16, 2024.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Scammer Taxidermist Arrested After $500,000 Wasn’t Enough

A male has been arrested after fraudulently claiming the deceased exotic animals for his taxidermist business were no longer viable due to a faulty refrigeration system.

On Monday, September 11, 2023, investigators with the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) were contacted by an insurance company regarding multiple claims filed by Artistry in Motion Taxidermy, that they believed to be fraudulent. The owner of the business purchased deceased exotic animals such as tigers, lions and monkeys, after they died of natural causes, for use as art pieces.

In May of 2022, the owner made a claim to the insurance company for a weather-related failure of his refrigeration system, which he claimed resulted in a financial loss of over $500,000 of animals.

In June of 2023, the owner made a second claim to the insurance company for another refrigeration system failure, which he claimed resulted in a financial loss of over $700,000 of animals.

Investigation into zoos, ranches, and safaris both in Canada and in Africa, named by the suspect, revealed that the suspect had fraudulently produced purchase invoices, created fictitious zoos and safaris, and inflated the value of the deceased animals.

Cyril DSOUZA, age 65 from Uxbridge is charged with: Fraud Over $5000 x2, and Utter Forged Document x2.

He was released on an Undertaking.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Tisi of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5729.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Norfolk OPP Police Press Releases

40 Grand In Crypto Scam

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – A community member lost $40,000 after being deceived by a cryptocurrency investment scam.

At approximately 11:44 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment investigated a fraud at an address in Norfolk County.

It was determined that the victim responded to an online advertisement on a website for an investment opportunity that promised significant returns on the funds initially invested.

Between January and March of 2024, the victim invested approximately $40,000. When they tried to access their funds, they were told they needed to pay more money to get their original investment back. Realizing this was a scam, the victim contacted the police.

Frauds and scams are attempted daily through online platforms, phone calls, letters, or faxes. Fraud is a multi-million-dollar enterprise that will only cease when the perpetrators stop profiting.

To avoid falling victim to similar investment scams, follow these key tips:

  • Research and verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities and the entities offering them.
  • Exercise caution when confronted with investments promising high returns with little risk. Overly optimistic claims may signal a potential scam.
  • Avoid sharing sensitive information with unfamiliar parties.

To learn more about fraud and cybercrime prevention and how to safeguard yourself, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

AI Elon Musk Scams $800,000 From One Victim #MoreMoneyThanBrains

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are continuing to investigate an online investment fraud resulting in over $800,000 in losses in Waterloo.

On March 12, 2024, police began an investigation after receiving a report of a victim defrauded in connection to an online investment scam.

The victim viewed a video promising high returns with a short turnaround time. The video utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to make it appear that the investment was endorsed by Elon Musk and encouraged viewers to contact a provided phone number.

After the victim registered by calling the phone number, he was contacted by a suspect claiming to be from an investment company. The suspect offered their services to assist and guide the victim through the investment process, and convinced the victim to download an app that provided the suspect with remote access to the victim’s computer.

Between January and March 2024, the suspect accessed the victim’s bank accounts and transferred over $800,000 that the victim was led to believe would be invested. When the victim requested to withdraw the money he believed the investment had earned, he was told that before receiving his money, he would have to pay fees and taxes totalling over $40,000.

In 2023, over $60,000,000 in financial losses were reported to the Waterloo Regional Police Service. A large portion of these losses were the result of investment fraud. Fraudsters will often use social media and AI to create fictitious online ads to lure people to invest. In some scams, fraudsters use AI to pretend that a prominent person is endorsing the investment.

Members of the public are advised to be cautious when it comes to scams such as this. #StopPauseThink and review the following safety tips to help prevent becoming a victim of online investment fraud:

  • Don’t engage in unsolicited investment opportunities seen online, and don’t provide personal information online to unknown persons or companies.
  • Be cautious of investments promising higher than expected rates of return. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Pitches often claim that investing involves no risk and surefire profits.
  • Don’t allow unknown programs to be downloaded onto your computer or unknown persons to access your computer.
  • Ensure you are investing with a legitimate investment company. Conduct internet searches for the company and/or make a follow-up phone call to the company, as some fraudsters will use the name of a legitimate company.

If you have been a victim of an investment scam and suffered a financial loss, please report the incident online at www.wrps.on.ca/onlinereporting or call our non-emergency number at 519-570-9777.

If you were contacted about this type of scam but did not experience a financial loss, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

For more about investment fraud and how to protect yourself, visit Investment (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca).

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Have You Been Scammed By A “Contractor”?

Door to Door/in person scams/Reno fraud:

Despite the evolution of technology, one fraud still remains the same: Door to Door and in person scams.

The fraudsters use high-pressure sales tactics or offer a low price for some services and in return the victim gets services with no or little value. Typical frauds are services like home renovation, or paving jobs. For example, in our Region, between December 22, 2022 and November 2023, renovations fraud in the value of $639,193.96 were reported.

In these types of frauds, the person often starts with a service and either claims that more work has to be done and the price goes up significantly or once payments are received, they disappear. Always be aware about the high-pressure sales and compare the offer. If the offer is way below comparison, use caution. Ask for some references and other project the person has completed. Don’t just look up their social media or their homepage as they can create these accounts by using still images from other pages. Get some other opinions about the urgency of the work and what is all needed. Be aware that not every door to door sale is a fraud. If the work is done but not satisfying, it is a civil dispute.

Learn more during Fraud Prevention Month by following our social media posts and visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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Huron OPP Police Press Releases

Victim Scammed After Using Credit Card At Pump

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a fraud following a report to police on February 21st, 2024. 

On February 21st, 2024, a 28-year-old individual from Perth County was filling up their vehicle with fuel at a gas station in the Municipality of South Huron, Exeter. They paid with a credit card at the gas pump, and shortly after received a phone call on their cellular device advising them that their credit card had been compromised. The person calling requested the victim’s credit card number and verification code. The victim provided both to the scammer. The victim was then directed to e-transfer $7,500 via e-mail to themselves to “save” their money. The victim received a verification code, but then realized their money had been stolen from their account.

The victim contacted the OPP and filed a report with their banking institution.

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OPP Police Press Releases Wasaga Beach

WARNING: Criminals Posing As Police To Scam Victims – Names Released

 (TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH, ON) – The Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged two individuals in a Grandparent Scam investigation.

Between February 22, 2024, and February 24, 2024, Huronia West OPP were notified of a potential grandparent scam in progress. The victim was contacted by phone advising that their grandson had been arrested. The accused identified themselves as a Newmarket Police Officer over the phone and advised that the victim’s grandson required financial assistance to cover the cost for judge and lawyer fees to get him out of jail. The accused’s attended the victim’s residence three separate times to collect funds and were greeted by the Huronia West OPP on the third attempt.

As a result of the investigation, two individuals were arrested and charged with the following:

Romeilio NWAGWU, a 24-year-old from London, was charged with:

  • Adult Fraud Over $5000
  • Adult Resist Peace Officer

As a result, the accused was charged and held for a Bail Hearing.

Devonte BROWN, a 25-year-old from Bowmanville, was charged with:

  • Adult Fraud Over $5000

As a result, the accused was charged and released with a future court date.

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Guelph Police Service Police Press Releases

Man Ignores Bank Staff Warnings & Loses $180,000

The Guelph Police Service is again warning the public to be cautious when investing online after a local man lost more than $180,000, much of it after ignoring warnings from bank staff that he was being scammed.

On Friday, a Guelph man in his 60s contacted police to report the fraud. He reported last November he responded to an online ad for a supposed Bitcoin investment firm. Since then, he sent more than $34,000 through e-transfers and $151,000 through wire transfers. He told police staff at his bank warned him he was being scammed, but he did not believe them and insisted on completing the transfers.

He became suspicious when he was contacted and asked to send another $60,000 to cover administrative fees.

Residents are warned to be wary of any online contact, and to investigate thoroughly before sending money to anyone. Cryptocurrency scams are very difficult to investigate and the odds of recovering lost funds is very low.

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. If there is no financial loss it should still be reported it to the CAFC

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North Bay OPP Police Press Releases

US Secret Service Freezes $615,820 Of Spear Phishing Proceeds

(NORTH BAY, ON) – On February 2, 2024, an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) member seconded to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) was notified by a CAFC Call Taker that a Canadian victim business reported a Spear Phishing fraud. The member subsequently contacted the United States Secret Service (USSS) representative regarding the fraud. 

The USSS quickly contacted the US financial institution, which received the transfer and froze approximately $615,820 (CND) of the victim funds. As a result of the timely reporting to the CAFC, and the quick action of the members from each organization, the business is well positioned to recover the funds.

What is the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre?

The CAFC is Canada’s central repository for data, intelligence and resource material that relates to fraud. CAFC does not conduct investigations but provides valuable assistance to law enforcement agencies all over the world. CAFC is jointly managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Competition Bureau Canada and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The CAFC was originally known as Phonebusters, which was created by the OPP.

What is Spear Phishing or Business Email Compromise fraud?

Spear phishing (Business Email Compromise) frauds represented $58.2 million in reported losses to the CAFC in 2023. Ontario victims reported losing over $21.3 million.

Fraudsters send messages to a targeted business or individual’s email account, often to the accounts payable department. Fraudsters will create an email address similar to the targeted company’s email address in order to appear as though the email is originating from a trusted source (a supplier or contractor). The fraudster will request an urgent payment to an alternate bank account for an invoice that is due.

In addition, fraudsters may send malware and if an employee clicks on it, a rule will be created to send copies of incoming emails to one of the fraudster’s email accounts. Fraudsters will take their time to collect information, study the language on their intended targets, and look for important contacts, payments, and dates so they can send convincing emails from a seemingly trusted source. Fraudsters launch their attack when an accounts payable invoice has been identified.

How to protect yourself

·      Remain current on frauds targeting businesses and educate all employees by visiting the CAFC website

·      Include fraud and cyber training as part of new employee’s orientation

·      Avoid opening unsolicited emails or clicking on suspicious links or attachments

·      Take a few seconds to hover over an email address or link and confirm that they are correct

·      Restrict the amount of information shared publicly and show caution with regard to social media

·      Create detailed payment procedures, including verbal authentication for any urgent requests or changes in payment details

·      Create a verification step for unusual requests

·      Establish fraud identifying, managing and reporting procedures

·      Ensure to upgrade and update technical security software

Remember… if you become a victim of a fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service to report the crime and report it to the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or online on the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur.

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