Tag: Fraud

Categories
New Tecumseth OPP Police Press Releases

Jessica O’BRIEN Arrested For Fraud

(NEW TECUMSETH, ON) – As a result of an ongoing police investigation, members of the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), have arrested and charged an individual in connection to a fraud investigation.

On February 6 2024, at approximately 6:00 p.m. officers were dispatched to a fraud incident located at 233 Church St South, at the Community Living Association South Simcoe (CLASS) in Alliston. The complainant advised officers that they believed an employee of CLASS had been using a company credit card for personal purchases.

Upon further investigation it was determined that between the months of November 2023 and February 2024 a total of $122,162.15 had been spent on the company credit card. Officers conducted a year long investigation that has led to the arrest of the individual involved.

On February 27 2025 Jessica O’BRIEN 38-years-old from Essa was charged with the following :

  • Fraud Over $5000
  • Permit – use of credit card data

The accused has been released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Bradford on April 3 2025 to answer to the charges.

This investigation is ongoing, If you have any information in relation to this investigation, please call the Nottawasaga OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122, Report Number (E240150900). You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit your information online at https://ontariocrimestoppers.ca/

Categories
Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Woman Scams Money Mart Out Of $30,000

A woman is facing fraud charges after obtaining over $30,000 from a Money Mart.

On December 4, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m., a female suspect visited a Money Mart in Oshawa, where she successfully cashed a fraudulent cheque, receiving over $30,000 in cash. The Financial Crimes Unit took over the investigation and were able to identity the female responsible.

Further investigation revealed the female was also involved in a separate incident where she obtained a vehicle by fraudulent means.  

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, she was arrested for both incidents.

Rebecca Anne GARDINER, age 36 of Peterborough is charged with Fraud Over $5000 x2, Utter Forged Document and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000.

She was released on an undertaking.

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Reeves of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5241.

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. 

Categories
Kincardine OPP Police Press Releases

Scammer Gets $100,000 For Free!

(KINCARDINE, ON) – On February 25, 2025, the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to an address in the Municipality of Kincardine, where an individual reported being victim of a fraud.

Investigation revealed that over the past few months, the victim made a series of transactions amounting to approximately $100,000 through a cryptocurrency investment company. The victim stumbled upon this investment company through an online advertisement, where they later conversed with an individual on numerous occasions to facilitate the transactions. Once the victim attempted to make a withdrawal from their account, they became aware there were no funds available.

The investigation has been passed over to the South Bruce OPP Crime Unit.

We urge residents to be cautious when engaging in digital currency transactions and investments.

For more information on fraud, you can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre.ca

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

Categories
Haldimand OPP Police Press Releases

Kyley CHYMKO-LESLIE: Fraud, Etc.

(HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON) – An individual has been charged resulting from a fraud investigation that was initiated in the fall of 2023.

On October 7, 2023, the Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) launched an investigation that involved several victims in the Dunnville area.

The investigation revealed individuals purchased concert tickets on a popular social media platform. Once a price was agreed on, a money transfer was completed.

When the purchaser realized the tickets weren’t sent on the day of the event, they contacted the seller, who indicated a refund would be issued, which never occurred.

41-year-old Kyley CHYMKO-LESLIE of Dunnville has been charged with the following offences:

  • Fraud Over $5000 (two counts)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (two counts)
  • Laundering Proceeds of Crime

The accused is schedule to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga on March 4, 2025.

Investigators have reason to believe there may be more victims and encourage the public to report this criminal activity to police.

If you have information about this investigation, you are asked to contact the Haldimand OPP at 1-888-310-1122.  

Should you wish to remain anonymous you can leave an online tip at www.helpsolvecrime.com or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000. 

Categories
ADJALA-TOSORONTIO OPP Police Press Releases

Pasquale FONZO – Fraud, Theft, Etc.

(ADJALA-TOSORONTIO, ON) – As a result of an ongoing police investigation, members of the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), with the assistance of the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) have arrested and charged an individual in connection to a fraud investigation.

On February 7, 2025 at approximately 3:34 p.m. Police were dispatched to a fraud incident located at the Ernie Dean Chevrolet Dealership in Adjala-Tosorontio Township. The complainant advised Police that there was an appointment set for February 10,2025 for a male to pickup a brand new 2025 GMC Sierra pick up truck purchased over the phone worth $110,000. The accused provided the dealership with insurance, a void cheque, and a driver licence. 

The accused told the dealership when making this purchase that he is the Vice Principal of a school located in Hamilton. The dealership began to have suspicions after they attempted to call the school to congratulate the buyer on his new pickup truck purchase and advise that it was available for pickup, however when speaking with the believed buyer, the dealership was informed that they did not purchase a new vehicle.

The dealership contacted the Nottawasaga OPP as it was believed that an unknown person was using the victims information to purchase a vehicle.

Upon further investigation it was determined that the unknown person also purchased a 2024 Cadillac Escalade and a 2024 Ford F-150 recently using the victims information.

On February 10, 2025, officers, knowing that the unknown person, posing as the victim, would be attending the Ernie Dean Chevrolet Dealership to pick up a vehicle purchased, attended to arrest and charge this unknown person.

At 2:22 p.m. officers attended the dealership and arrested Pasquale FONZO, a 39-year-old male of Ottawa.

FONZO was charged with:

  • Fraud Over $5000
  • Identity Theft – obtain or possess another persons identity information
  • Forgery- four Counts
  • Personation with Intent (Identity Fraud)

The accused was held for a bail hearing.

This investigation is ongoing, If you have any information in relation to this investigation, please call the Nottawasaga OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122, Report Number (E250156234). You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit your information online at https://ontariocrimestoppers.ca/

Categories
Owen Sound Police Police Press Releases

Restaurant Defrauded Out Of $25,000+

A 42-year-old Meaford man has been arrested and charged at the conclusion of an investigation conducted by the Owen Sound Police Service Criminal Investigations Branch after an Owen Sound Restaurant was defrauded out of more than $25,000. 

The investigation determined that the accused was able to steal a bank card and associated pin number for one of the restaurant’s business accounts.  After stealing the card, the accused proceeded to withdraw cash and make numerous unauthorized purchases at various bank machines and businesses in both the City of Owen Sound and the Town of Meaford.   A regularly occurring audit conducted by restaurant staff revealed the transactions and missing funds, and the matter was reported to the Owen Sound Police for investigation.

On February 6, 2025 the accused was arrested and charged with Fraud Exceeding $5,000, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card, Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data, and Wearing a Disguise with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence.

 This accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound in March of 2025.

Categories
Arran-Elderslie OPP Police Press Releases

Victim Out $35,000

(ARRAN-ELDERSLIE, ON) – On February 4, 2025, the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to an address in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, where an individual reported being victim of a fraud.

Investigation revealed that over the course of a year, the victim made a series of transactions amounting to approximately $35,000 through a cryptocurrency investment company. The victim stumbled upon this investment company through an online advertisement, where they later conversed with an individual on numerous occasions to facilitate the transactions. Once the victim became suspicious of the legitimacy of this company and declined sending additional funds, they were locked out of their account.

The investigation has been passed over to the South Bruce OPP Crime Unit.

We urge residents to be cautious when engaging in digital currency transactions and investments.

For more information on fraud, you can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre.ca

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

Categories
Area OPP Huron OPP Police Press Releases

ATM Users Targeted By Scammers

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating three recent scams that took advantage of Huron County residents while using ATM machines at local banks.

Huron OPP have determined that on January 18, 2025, at least three separate incidents took place at two different banks in Exeter, (South Huron), and in the Town of Goderich.

In both incidents that occurred in Exeter, victims (aged 64 and 67) were using the bank ATM when they were “assisted” by an unknown person who appeared to be trying to help the victims. The real bank cards were swapped with fake cards during the interactions. The suspect(s) then stole money from the victims’ accounts after obtaining their PIN numbers. One victim lost $900 while the other lost $1,400.

In the Goderich incident, the victim, who is 95 years of age, was using the bank ATM when their debit card showed an error on the machine and would not eject from the ATM. The victim departed the bank and later discovered that her debit card had been used to remove $1,500 from the ATM and another $2,000 in purchases at a local retail store.

Police are still investigating the frauds and are asking the public to come forward if they have any information that may assist police.

“This is a good time to remind everyone that while using bank ATM’s, be mindful of who is in or around the area before using the machine. Never provide your PIN (password) digits to anyone. They may tamper with the ATM, and try to “help” you with your debit card”, says Constable Craig Soldan of the Huron OPP.

Call the OPP at 1-(888)-310-1122 and report these types of frauds.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre should also be contacted with any information you might have. Call 1-(888)-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca

Categories
Caledon OPP Police Press Releases

Giuseppe CORDI – Fraud X47

(CALEDON, ON) – Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid 47 charges as part of a fraud investigation.

In October 2022, a business establishment reported fraudulent activity in one of their accounts. The investigation was led by the Caledon OPP Major Crime Unit.

On January 28, 2025, Giuseppe CORDI, 34, of Barrie was arrested and charged with:

• Fraud under $5000 – 41 counts

• Fraud over $5000 – 6 counts

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on February 27, 2025, to answer to the charges.  

The OPP is working to increase public awareness of fraud-related crimes. Fraud can affect anyone and it’s important to report it. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1. If you are not in an emergent situation, the first step is to report the fraud either in person or by phone to your local police service. If your local police service is the OPP, use the detachment locator to find your nearest detachment. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at https://peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

Categories
Area OPP North Perth OPP Police Press Releases

MACHAN – $50,000 Fraud

(NORTH PERTH, ON) – One person has been charged in relation to a fraud investigation in the Municipality of North Perth.

On January 27, 2025, members of the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) launched an investigation after receiving information that a company was defrauded of over $50,000 by a former employee.

As a result of the investigation, 33-year-old Torie MACHAN of Monkton, ON was charged with:

–      Fraud Over $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.

MACHAN is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on March 10th, 2025.

The Perth County OPP is requesting that anyone with information related to this investigation call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Prince Edward

George ENGLAND Was Arrested For Fraud & Weapon Possession

(PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ON) – Members of the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) remind everyone that you never have to pay to collect winnings from a legitimate lottery.

On January 27, 2025, officers began a fraud investigation after it was reported that an elderly person was potentially being duped into believing they had won the lottery.

As a result of the investigation, George ENGLAND, a 56-year-old of Sutton West, Ontario has been charged with:

  • Fraud over $5000
  • Possession of a weapon – two counts
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence
  • Fail to have insurance card

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Prince Edward County on March 12, 2025.

Fraudsters frequently target vulnerable individuals. To help prevent victimization, please share this information, especially with those who may be at risk. For more details, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you have lost money due to fraud, report it to police at 1-888-310-1122.

Categories
IROQUOIS FALLS OPP Police Press Releases

Arrests For Grand-parent Scam

(IROQUOIS FALLS, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested two people involved in a grand-parent scam involving three separate victims.

On January 22, 2025, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., the South Porcupine OPP responded to a fraud where the suspect called a residence in Iroquois Falls requesting money for their grandson that had been in a car accident. 

On January 23, 2025, at approximately 11:12 a.m., the South Porcupine OPP responded to a fraud where the suspect called two separate residences in Iroquois Falls, requesting money for their grandson who was currently in custody.

As a result of the investigation two people have been arrested and charged.

Amect RICALDY-SOLORZANO, 53 years-old, from Montreal, was charged with the following:

  • Fraud over $5,000 – four counts
  • Possession property obtained by crime over $5,000

The accused remains in custody and is schedule to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 29, 2025.

Eliza GREGOLINKSKA, 53 years-old, from Montreal, was also charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

The accused was released from custody and is schedule to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 13, 2025

If you or someone you know may have been the victim of an ’emergency’ scam, contact your local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Categories
Alliston OPP Police Press Releases

MILLER – Theft & Fraud

(ALLISTON ON.) – The Nottawasaga Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a female in relation to an ongoing theft and fraud investigation.

On December 23, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m. Nottawasaga OPP responded to a report of a theft at Freshco, located at 161 Young Street, Alliston in the Town of New Tecumseth.

A Caucasian female described as a frequent shopper, about 5’5″, approximately 30-40 years old, wearing a black coat with hood, black backpack with red design entered the store and placed several items in her backpack, then proceeded to purchase the remaining items in the shopping cart with a store employee debit card and left on foot.

On December 21, 2024, Nottawasaga OPP requested the publics assistance to identify a female involved in a theft and fraud investigation.

On January 21, 2025, officers have charged Michelle MILLER a 46-year-old female of Alliston with the following:

Fraud Under $5000 – Two Counts

Theft Under $5000- Shoplifting

Theft Under $5000      

The accused has been released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Bradford on February 20, 2025, to answer to the charges.

Nottawasaga OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: www.crimestopperssdm.com. or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Categories
Centre Of Wellington

Victim Scammed Out Of $230,000 – 4 Arrested

(CENTRE WELLINGTON, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit has charged another four individuals following a fraud investigation.

In February 2024, a business in Centre Wellington contacted the Wellington County OPP to advise that they had lost approximately $230,000 to a phishing scam.

Four additional individuals have been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

Cornelius ETAH, 39-years-old of Ajax, was charged with:

  • Fraud over $5000
  • Theft over $5000
  • Possession Property obtained by crime over $5000 – In Canada

The accused will make their next court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on February 18, 2025.

Hamid OKI, 28-years-old of Toronto, was charged with:

  • Fraud over $5000
  • Theft over $5000
  • Possession Property obtained by crime over $5000 – In Canada

The accused will make their next court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on March 7, 2025.

Olabamiji OMONIYI, 35-years-old of North York, was charged with:

  • Possession Property obtained by crime over $5000 – In Canada
  • Personation with Intent – intent to obtain property (identity fraud)
  • Use, deals, acts on forged document

The accused will make their next court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on February 14, 2025.

Ifeanyi OKOLO, 31-years-old of Kitchener, was charged with:

  • Fraud over $5000
  • Theft over $5000
  • Possession Property obtained by crime over $5000 – In Canada

The accused will make their next court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on January 24, 2025.

Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the nearest police authority. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Categories
Meaford OPP Police Press Releases

Contractor Fraud – Christopher Brown Arrested – Police Fear More Victims

(MEAFORD, ON) – One individual is facing fraud charges after they received money for work and never completed the job.

On August 18, 2024, the victim contracted a contractor to complete work at their property. The victim provided a deposit for materials and the contractor never returned to complete the work and refused to refund the money.

Christopher Brown, 43 years-old of Georgian Bluffs is charged with fraud under $5000.

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on February 27, 2025.