10 Police News, Fraud Prevention, RCMP(Royal Canadian Mounted Police), fraudsters posing as police, online scams combining romance and investment schemes, pig butchering scams, Financial Crimes, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 2024.1-4 ✓Police ✓Gov ✓Canada,加拿大

Fraude amoureuse: un présumé arnaqueur arrêté par le SPVM pourrait avoir fait d’autres victimes

Un présumé fraudeur qui aurait abusé de la confiance d’une personne âgée a été arrêté par le SPVM. Les policiers croient que le suspect aurait pu faire d’autres victimes.

Jocelyn Demers, 58 ans, épinglé le 8 mai dernier, a été formellement accusé de fraude.

Il aurait piégé une aînée en utilisant le stratagème nommé «fraude amoureuse».

L’accusé serait entré en contact avec la victime à travers les réseaux sociaux, puis aurait développé un lien de confiance dans le but de la convaincre d’effectuer des achats pour lui dans plusieurs commerces. L’homme de 58 ans lui aurait promis de la rembourser rapidement.

Le suspect aurait aussi demandé à la présumée victime de lui donner de l’argent, en échange de chèques qu’elle devait ensuite encaisser. Or, ceux-ci n’étaient pas honorés par les institutions bancaires. Le présumé fraudeur aurait donc conservé l’argent, causant à la personne âgée une perte financière.

Les policiers estiment que Jocelyn Demers aurait pu répéter ce stratagème auprès de plusieurs autres personnes et avoir été à la recherche d’autres victimes potentielles.

Toute personne ayant pu être fraudée par l’accusé est invitée à communiquer avec le SPVM, en se rendant au poste de quartier ou en appelant au 911 pour déposer une plainte ou produire une déclaration.

Les présumées victimes peuvent aussi fournir de l’information de manière anonyme en contactant Info-Crime Montréal au 514 393-1133 ou en remplissant le formulaire de signalement disponible dans le site infocrimemontreal.ca.

Description de Jocelyn Demers:
Homme à la peau blanche.
S’exprime en français.
Taille: 1,76 m.
Poids: 63 kg.
Cheveux gris.
Yeux bruns.

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爱情诈骗：被 SPVM 逮捕的涉嫌诈骗者可能导致其他受害者
一名涉嫌滥用老年人信任的诈骗犯被 SPVM 逮捕。警方认为嫌疑人可能造成了其他受害者。

乔斯林·德默斯 (Jocelyn Demers)，58 岁，于 5 月 8 日被捕，被正式指控犯有欺诈罪。
据称，他使用了一种名为“爱情欺诈”的计谋，诱骗了一名长辈。

Victim threatened with deportation, bilked of nearly $100K in elaborate phone scam: Peel police

Peel Regional Police have arrested a suspect in an elaborate phone scam targeting the Asian community that saw one victim allegedly bilked out of nearly $100,000 after being threatened with deportation if he didn’t pay.

Police say the scam involves making threatening calls to members of the Asian community demanding funds while impersonating police, customs, Interpol and Chinese Consulate officials.

On July 15, 2022, investigators say a 38-year-old man from Mississauga received such a call from someone claiming to be a Shanghai Customs officer.

Peel police described what happened next.

“The suspect advised that the victim was suspected of committing a fraud offence in China and was required to return his funds to China for further investigation into their legitimacy,” a police release outlines.

“The victim was threatened with deportation back to China to face repercussions if he did not comply and was also promised the return of all funds at the completion of the investigation.”

The fearful man was ordered to send 15 wire transfers to accounts in Hong Kong, but became suspicious after the first nine transfers and requested to see an official in person before sending any more funds.

On August 31, 2022, police say the suspect attended the man’s residence in Mississauga and presented identification representing himself as an Executive Staff Member of Interpol of The People’s Republic of China.

“The suspect served the victim with a Shanghai Public Security Bureau Incident Receipt and retrieved $500 cash from the victim. After this visit, the victim sent another six wire transfers, depleting the remainder of his funds,” police explained.

“The victim was defrauded of over $97,000.”

On April 17, 2024, police arrested a suspect in the case.

Zhi Yong Wu, 57, of Toronto, was charged with fraud over $5000 and possession of property obtained by crime.

“With $12.5 million in overall reported losses in 2023, extortion fraud remains a persistent threat to Canadians,” Jeff Thomson of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) said in a release. “These frauds play on the emotions of victims to instill fear and anxiety to get victims to send money.”

“The CAFC has received reports from victims across our country and wants to remind Canadians to stay vigilant and report any threatening calls they get claiming to be Shanghai Police, Beijing Police, Interpol or any other government or police agency.”

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Suspect arrested after Mississauga man lost almost $100K in telephone scam targeting Asian community

A 57-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an alleged telephone scam targeting members of the Asian community in the Toronto area, including one man who lost nearly $100,000.

On Tuesday, Peel Regional Police announced the arrest of the suspect who had allegedly made threatening and intimidating phone calls pretending to be a police officer, a customs official, an INTERPOL agent or someone from the Chinese consulate and demanded money.

In one case, a 38-year-old Mississauga man received a phone call on July 15, 2022, from someone claiming to be a Shanghai Customs officer.

“The suspect advised that the victim was suspected of committing a fraud offence in China and was required to return his funds to China for further investigation into their legitimacy,” police allege in a news release on Tuesday.

“The victim was threatened with deportation back to China to face repercussions if he did not comply and was also promised the return of all funds at the completion of the investigation.”

Police said the victim then sent nine wire transfers to accounts in Hong Kong before becoming suspicious and asked to see an official in person.

On Aug. 31, 2022, the suspect went to the victim’s home and allegedly presented identification that showed him as an executive staff member of INTERPOL of the People’s Republic of China.

“The suspect served the victim with a Shanghai Public Security Bureau Incident Receipt and retrieved $500 cash from the victim,” police allege.

Following the visit, the victim sent six more wire transfers. Police said he was defrauded of over $97,000 in the scam.

Last month, as a result of their investigation, police took Zhi Yong Wu from Toronto into custody. He was charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.

“With $12.5M in overall reported losses in 2023, extortion fraud remains a persistent threat to Canadians. These frauds play on the emotions of victims to instill fear and anxiety to get victims to send money,” Jeff Thomson with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) said in a statement.

“The CAFC has received reporting from victims across our country and wants to remind Canadians to stay vigilant and report any threatening calls they get claiming to be Shanghai Police, Beijing Police, Interpol or any other government or police agency.”

Police are asking other victims or anyone with information about the investigation to contact them at 905-453–2121, ext. 3335 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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針對華裔社區電話詐騙案 57歲疑犯落網

皮爾區警方表示，就一宗調查近兩年、針對華裔社區的電話詐騙案，成功拘捕一名疑犯，事主損失接近10萬元。
當局指，38歲的密西沙加男事主2022年7月中首先接到一個陌生來電，對方聲稱是中國上海的海關人員，指事主在中國涉及一宗詐騙案，要求把金錢電匯至中國協助調查，完成後假如證實無犯罪就會全數退還；疑犯又威嚇指，如果不配合調查，事主將會被遞解出境，回到中國後更會被追究。
事主按照指示，向一個香港戶口作出9次匯款，之後覺得有可疑，要求與有關當局人員親身見面，其後有一名自稱為中國國際刑警的人登門，出示假證件，並發出一張與調查有關的收據。
事主其後再進行多6次匯款，合共涉及9萬7千元。
皮爾區警方經過詳細和深入調查，上月拘捕一名57歲多倫多男子，姓名譯音吳志勇 (Zhi Yong WU)，起訴一項5千元以上詐騙和藏有犯罪所得的控罪。

Toronto Police Service（多伦多警局）
News Release

Twelve Arrests made and 102 Charges Laid in Project Déjà Vu,
a Synthetic-Identity Fraud Investigation
Published: Monday, April 29, 2024, 10:30 AM

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of 12 arrests and 102 charges laid in a major synthetic-identity fraud investigation dubbed Project Deja Vu.

Watch news conference here.

In October 2022, the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit began investigating a synthetic-identity credit fraud scheme that began in 2016. The perpetrators are alleged to have created more than 680 unique synthetic identities, many of which were used to apply for and open hundreds of bank accounts and credit accounts at various banks and financial institutions across Ontario.

The fraudulently obtained credit accounts were then drawn upon by way of in-store and online purchases, cash withdrawals, or electronic fund transfers. In many cases, fraudulent payments were made into the credit account to allow them to be drawn beyond their defined limits. To date, this scheme has resulted in confirmed losses of approximately $4 million.

The investigation began with a report from a financial institution who located several synthetic accounts, most of which had been opened by a single person who had previously worked on behalf of the company. Based on this report, the Financial Crimes Unit initiated an investigation that grew quickly following the execution of numerous search warrants and the assistance of fraud investigators at Halton Regional Police Service.

To date, TPS has executed more than 20 search warrants and 80 production orders to investigate this matter, and to trace the flow of proceeds of crime generated by these synthetic identify frauds.

Through the search warrants, TPS has also located/seized:
several dozen synthetic identity documents (including fraudulent government identification) and electronic templates to create false identifications and false documents (see images provided)
hundreds of payment cards (debit cards, credit cards, charge cards, etc.) associated to bank/credit accounts obtained under synthetic identifies
approximately $300,000 in Canadian and foreign cash, seized as proceeds of crime (see images provided)

Synthetic identity fraud is a form of financial fraud in which fictional personal information (i.e. identity information that does not belong to a real person) is used to open accounts with banks, financial institutions, or other businesses. Beyond facilitating fraud, accounts obtained under synthetic identities are known to facilitate other serious criminal offences, including the laundering of proceeds derived from human trafficking, drug trafficking, and armed robbery, among other serious crimes.

The Toronto Police Service would like to thank our law enforcement partners and other government agencies for their assistance during this investigation, including the Canada Revenue Agency, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), the Halton Regional Police Service, the Ontario Ministry of Finance, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Peel Regional Police, Service Canada, and the Waterloo Regional Police Service.

Additional Information and Suspects Sought

Investigators believe there may be additional incidents and victims. Investigators are seeking to speak with anyone who has information related to this investigation, and in particular would like to speak with:
any businesses that were approached by any of the arrested persons for the purposes of applying for or opening any accounts (store accounts, credit accounts etc.). See images of suspects attached.
any persons or businesses who performed any home renovations for any of the arrested persons.
any persons who have purchased any items (particularly appliances, electronics and/or automotive parts) from any of the arrested persons. These transactions may have been facilitated through an online buy-and-sell platform.

Arrests and Charges

Hasnain Akram, 28, of Brampton is charged with:
16 counts of Fraud Over $5000
Forgery
Possess Instrument of Forgery
two counts of Possess Counterfeit Mark
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 10 a.m., in room 205.

Muhammad Hamza Baig, 31, of Ayr is charged with:
Fraud Over $5000
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
Obstruct Peace Officer
Utter Forged Document
He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 202.

Zelle Ali Choudary, 34, of Brampton is charged with:
six counts of Fraud Over $5000
Possess Counterfeit Mark
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 205.

Rashad Iqbal, 41, of Caledon is charged with:
Fraud Over $5000
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
He is scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 205.

Ranafayysal Masood Khan, 38, of Mississauga is charged with:
Fraud Over $5000
Obtain Credit by False Pretences
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
He is scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 205.

Anmol Khurana, 27, of Markham is charged with:
Fraud Over $5000
Obtain Credit by False Pretences
Cause Another Person to Act on a Forged Document
He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 202.

Fahad Ben Mofeez, 30, of Brampton is charged with:
seven counts of Fraud Over $5000
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 205.

Muhammad Usman Saif, 32, of Brampton is charged with:
seven counts of Fraud Over $5000
three counts of Possess Counterfeit Mark
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 205.

Ali Sana, 26, of Brampton is charged with:
five counts of Fraud Over $5000
Forgery
Possess Instrument of Forgery
two counts of Possess Counterfeit Mark
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
Deal with Identity Information Knowing or Being Reckless that a Fraudulent Offence was Intended
He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 205.

Mian Muhammad Saud, 35, of Belle River is charged with:
Fraud Over $5000
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 202.

Sibt Hussain Syed, 60, of Brampton is charged with:
four counts of Fraud Over $5000
two counts of Possess Counterfeit Mark
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Thursday, April 25th, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 205.

Mueed Tanveer, 27, of Brampton is charged with:
three counts of Fraud Over $5000
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
Trafficking in Identity Information
He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Thursday, April 25th, 2024, at 10 a.m., in room 205.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

If you are a victim of fraud, report the incident to your local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.

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12 arrested in massive credit card fraud scheme, $4M lost: Toronto police

Twelve people have been arrested in a lengthy synthetic identity fraud investigation involving credit accounts that exceed $4 million in lost funds, Toronto police announced.

The results of Project Deja Vu were revealed on Monday.

Detective David Coffey said that in 2022, the Financial Crimes Unit began investigating a synthetic identity credit fraud scheme that began in 2016.

Multiple suspects allegedly created more than 680 unique synthetic identities, many of which were used to apply for and open hundreds of bank and credit accounts at various banks and financial institutions across Ontario.

The fraud credit accounts were used for in-store and online purchases, cash withdrawals, or electronic fund transfers. Det. Coffey said many fraudulent payments were made into the credit account to allow them to exceed their limits, and to date, this scheme has resulted in losses of approximately $4 million.

A financial institution flagged Toronto police, who located several synthetic accounts, most of which had been opened by a single person and former employee.

“The investigation concluded by identifying most financial institutions were victimized by this scheme,” Det. Coffey said.

Authorities executed multiple search warrants, including several dozen synthetic identity documents (including fraudulent government identification) and electronic templates to create false identifications and false documents.

What is synthetic identity fraud?

Synthetic identity fraud is a form of financial fraud in which fictional personal information, such as identity information, is used to open accounts with banks, financial institutions, or other businesses.

Unlike standard identity theft, where the thief steals an existing person’s information, synthetic identity fraud involves fabricating a new identity altogether.

The fraudster might illegally use a person’s social security number, combine it with a fake name, date of birth, and other fabricated details to create a synthetic identity and use stolen or fake addresses to make the identity seem legitimate.

“The fraudsters are really smart. They’re advancing with technology, and the identification is very convincing,” Det. Coffey said. “It often does get caught at the financial institutions, but it doesn’t always get caught.”

Once the synthetic identity is created, the fraudster may use it to open bank accounts, apply for loans, obtain credit cards, or commit other types of financial fraud. This can result in significant economic losses for businesses and individuals and damage to credit profiles.

12 charged, police believe additional arrests could be made

Investigators believe there may be additional incidents and victims and are hoping to speak with various businesses that were approached by any of the arrested persons.

Authorities also believe that some of the accused performed home renovations in the GTA.

Toronto police identified 12 people charged as part of Project Deja Vu. They include:

Hasnain Akram, 28, of Brampton
16 counts of Fraud Over $5,000
Forgery
Possess Instrument of Forgery
two counts of Possess Counterfeit Mark
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000

Muhammad Hamza Baig, 31, of Ayr, Ont.
Fraud Over $5,000
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
Obstruct Peace Officer
Utter Forged Document

Zelle Ali Choudary, 34, of Brampton
Six counts of Fraud Over $5,000
Possess Counterfeit Mark
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000

Rashad Iqbal, 41, of Caledon
Fraud Over $5,000
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data

Ranafayysal Masood Khan, 38, of Mississauga
Fraud Over $5,000
Obtain Credit by False Pretences
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data

Anmol Khurana, 27, of Markham
Fraud Over $5,000
Obtain Credit by False Pretences
Cause Another Person to Act on a Forged Document

Fahad Ben Mofeez, 30, of Brampton
Seven counts of Fraud Over $5,000
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000

Muhammad Usman Saif, 32, of Brampton
Seven counts of Fraud Over $5,000
three counts of Possess Counterfeit Mark
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000

Ali Sana, 26, of Brampton
Five counts of Fraud Over $5,000
Forgery
Possess Instrument of Forgery
two counts of Possess Counterfeit Mark
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
Deal with Identity Information Knowing or Being Reckless that a Fraudulent Offence was Intended

Mian Muhammad Saud, 35, of Belle River, Ont.
Fraud Over $5,000
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000

Sibt Hussain Syed, 60, of Brampton
Four counts of Fraud Over $5,000
two counts of Possess Counterfeit Mark
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000

Mueed Tanveer, 27, of Brampton
Three counts of Fraud Over $5,000
Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
Trafficking in Identity Information

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“合成身份”诈骗银行400万 警方逮捕12人

犯罪分子使用永久居民卡和驾照等伪造身份证件，多张卡的脸相同，但名字不同，这些名字都是合成的——是不存在的人。（多伦多警方）

多伦多警方周一（4月29日）公告，在一项重大合成身份欺诈调查中，逮捕了12名嫌犯，提起了100多项指控。

多伦多警方名为Project Deja Vu调查行动，始于2022年10月，源于一家金融机构的一份报告，该机构发现一名前员工开设了多个虚假账户。

多伦多警局金融犯罪部门探长大卫·科菲（David Coffey）在周一的新闻发布会上表示，合成身份被犯罪分子用于创建“储钱罐”，以虚构的合成人名申请无限量的信用。

科菲说，犯罪分子使用加拿大永久居民卡和安省驾照等伪造身份证件，“多张卡的脸相同，但名字不同，这些名字都是合成的——是不存在的人”。

犯罪始于2016年，犯罪分子创建了680多个独特的合成身份，其中许多用于在安省的多家银行和金融机构，申请、开设了数百个银行账户和信用账户。

然后，通过店内、在线购买、现金提取或电子转账方式取款。迄今为止，造成金融机构损失了约400万元。

警方逮捕了12人，大多数来自大多伦多地区，总计提起了102项指控，包括诈欺、伪造、提供伪造文件、清洗犯罪所得等。

Royal Canadian Mounted Police(加拿大皇家骑警)
News release

Scammer faces the call of justice
April 26, 2024

Thousands of Canadians have received random calls telling them that they owed money to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or they would be reported to the RCMP. These were scam calls that cost victims millions.

Thomas Pao is alleged to have been one of the individuals involved with these scams. After being charged, Pao fled to China four years ago.

Today, the RCMP arrested Pao without incident at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where he was immediately taken into custody.

In 2020, as part of Project OCTAVIA, the RCMP arrested a number of suspects, including Thomas Pao, who were charged with multiple offences linked to alleged CRA telephone scams. At the time of the investigation, victim losses were estimated to be over $34 million.

Recently, investigators from the RCMP Transnational Serious and Organized Crime section were notified by the Canadian Passport Intelligence Section that Pao, who had been residing in China with an expired Canadian passport, would be returning to Canada. He was issued an Emergency Travel Document and put on a direct flight from China.

In December of 2020, Thomas Pao was charged with the following:
Fraud over $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code
Possession of Proceeds of Crime, contrary to the Criminal Code
Laundering of the proceeds of Crime, contrary to the Criminal Code

Court for Pao is virtual, via Brampton Court on April 26, 2024.

Thank you to our partners, The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) and Canadian Passport Intelligence for their assistance on this file.

“This file demonstrates how persistence and collaboration lead to success in complex files. Our officers developed partnerships in the course of this investigation that were essential to bringing this individual before the courts.” – Inspector Nicole Noonan – Officer in Charge of Toronto West Detachment – Transnational Serious and Organized Crime

Fast facts

If someone on the phone is asking for your personal or banking information, hang up and report the activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If the caller is threatening you or your family, hang up and contact your local police. If you receive an e-mail or text message making suspicious tax claims and urging you to click on a link to submit information, don’t interact and report the occurrence to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, through its website at www.antifraudcentre.ca (http://www.antifraudcentre.ca), or by telephone at 1-888-495-8501.

The RCMP’s core values guide our daily activities. All employees are expected to live and model the values in their work. This investigation shows our commitment to demonstrating compassion. We care for each other and the communities we serve by approaching each situation with empathy and a genuine desire to help. We know that many people in our communities have fallen victim to scammers. We are continuing to educate our citizens about this threat while also carrying out our investigations to prevent serious financial harm to Canadians.

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Man linked to ‘CRA scam’ arrested at Toronto airport 4 years after fleeing to China

On April 26, RCMP at Lester B. Pearson International Airport arrested a man initially charged in 2020 for involvement in a phone scam which targeted Canadians by telling them they owed money to the Canada Revenue Agency.

A man accused of being part of a Canada Revenue Agency phone scam was arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport four years after fleeing the country.

Thomas Pao appeared virtually in Brampton court on Friday, April 26 after the RCMP at the airport took him into custody.

According to the Mounties, the CRA scam run out of India has made calls to thousands of random Canadians, telling them they had to pay money owed to the CRA or be reported to the RCMP.

The scam, targeting Canadians since 2014, had cost victims $34 million by 2020, when RCMP in Project OCTAVIA arrested several suspects linked to it.

In December 2020, Pao was charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime and money laundering.

He allegedly fled to China after being charged, but the RCMP’s Transnational Serious and Organized Crime section was told by the Canadian Passport Intelligence section Pao’s Canadian passport had expired and that he would be returning from China to Canada on an emergency travel document, the RCMP said in a news release.

Friday’s arrest “demonstrates how persistence and collaboration lead to success in complex files,” Insp. Nicole Noonan, officer in charge of the section’s Toronto West Detachment, stated in the release.

On Saturday, a spokesperson for RCMP Central Region in Ontario said Pao was a resident of Mississauga in December 2020 when he was originally charged.

If someone on the phone is asking for your personal or banking information, or if you receive an email or text making suspicious tax claims, don’t interact and report the communication to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or by phone at 1-888-495-8501, the RCMP says.

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涉詐騙案華漢潛逃中國4年 護照過期急返加在機場被捕
假扮稅局職員銀行調查員及技術支援人員

一名涉及電騙的華裔男子潛逃中國4年後返加為護照續期而在機場被捕。（資料圖片）

一名涉及加拿大稅局(CRA)電話詐騙、銀行調查員詐騙和技術支援詐騙案的華裔男子潛逃中國4年後﹐於上周五(26日)在多倫多皮爾遜國際機場被捕。他現被警方還押。

29歲涉案男子姓鮑(音譯﹕Thomas Pao)。加拿大皇家騎警指出﹐鮑某於2020年12月被控詐騙超過5,000元及洗黑錢罪名時﹐他已潛逃回中國。

但騎警表示﹐其屬下的跨國嚴重和有組織犯罪部門從加拿大護照情報部門處得知，鮑的加拿大護照已經過期，他將以緊急旅行文件從中國返回加拿大。最後﹐騎警在皮爾遜國際機場將其拘捕。

鮑現被警方扣留﹐並於被捕當日在賓頓市法庭以視像方式過堂。

加拿大皇家騎警大多多倫多地區金融犯罪部門於2018年啟動了代號為「Octavia」的行動。該行動專門調查電話騙案﹐包括假扮稅局職員﹑銀行調查員及技術支援人員進行詐騙。

到了2020年12月3日﹐騎警宣布，他們已向9人提出檢控﹐當中包括鮑某。但由於騎警相信當時鮑某已潛逃返回中國﹐故向他發出全國通緝令。當時﹐他居住在密西沙加市。

警方指出﹐電騙自2014年以來一直在加拿大活躍﹐至2020年為止﹐已令受害人損失3,400萬元。雖然在警方多次突襲下﹐已破獲多個在海外運作的電騙集團﹐但騙徒仍不斷更改招數，繼續瞄準加拿大人進行詐騙。

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Warning rise in calls involving fraudsters posing as police
Richmond
2024-04-19 09:47 PDT
File # 2024-11098

Richmond RCMP issue public warning regarding fraudsters posing as police following an increase in reports.

Between March 1, 2024 and April 8, 2024 Richmond RCMP has received seven reports involving fraudsters allegedly posing as police and demanding money. The total reported loss is over $ 1.1 million. In three instances no money was sent.

All of these investigations involved individuals posing as Chinese police or government officials.

These fraudsters can be very convincing. They employ various tactics to trick people including spoofing legitimate phone numbers, or making threats of police action if payment is not made. Ultimately, they have one objective, to get your money, says Sergeant Dave Au, Richmond RCMP Organized Crime Unit.

These types of scams continue to surface in our community and unfortunately people continue to fall prey to these fraudsters, says Corporal Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP Media Relations Officer, These frauds can have a devastating financial and emotional impact on the victims which is why we continue to issue these public warnings in the hope of preventing further victimization.

Richmond RCMP want to remind the public that if someone claiming to be from a government agency asks for Bitcoin, Google Play or iTunes gift cards as a method of payment hang up immediately and report it to police.

There are a number of frauds and scams that utilize similar tactics, including the romance scam which has led to significant financial losses for Richmond residents . Richmond RCMP advise on-going discussion with loved ones about these scams in order to promote greater awareness. Richmond RCMP recommend you regularly check the Canada Anti-Fraud website to learn more about the latest scams and frauds affecting our community.

Richmond RCMP encourages anyone who has been the victim of a suspected fraud to report it to the police of jurisdiction.

Released by
Cpl. Adriana O’Malley

—

$1.1M lost in just over a month to fraudsters posing as Chinese police: Richmond RCMP

Mounties in Richmond say more than a million dollars was lost to fraudsters posing as police or government officials in just over a month.

The detachment issued a warning Friday, saying it received seven reports of scammers pretending to be police between March 1 and April 8. While no money was sent in three of the cases, a total of $1.1 million was lost in the other instances.

Police said the fraudsters posed as Chinese police or government officials while targeting their victims.

“These fraudsters can be very convincing. They employ various tactics to trick people including spoofing legitimate phone numbers, or making threats of police action if payment is not made,” said Sgt. Dave Au in a news release. “Ultimately, they have one objective, to get your money.”

Mounties explained anyone who is asked by someone claiming to be a government official for payment in Bitcoin, Google Play or iTunes gifts cards should hang up and report the incident to police.

It’s not just police-related scams locals need to watch out for. Last month, Richmond RCMP said in a warning residents of that city lost more than $16 million in 2023 to “sophisticated online scams combining romance and investment schemes.” Known as “pig butchering scams,” police said the perpetrators typically spend weeks or months “grooming” their victims, often beginning their interaction “under the guise of a mistaken identity.”

“These types of scams continue to surface in our community and unfortunately people continue to fall prey to these fraudsters,” Cpl. Adriana O’Malley said in a statement. “These frauds can have a devastating financial and emotional impact on the victims which is why we continue to issue these public warnings in the hope of preventing further victimization.”

Anyone who thinks they’ve been a victim of a scam should contact their local police department and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

—

列市5周7宗假公安詐騙　4人上當損失逾110萬元

列治文皇家騎警早前於約5周內先後接獲7宗與電話詐騙有關的報案，騙徒均是冒充中國公安或政府官員，其中3宗事主沒有匯款，但其餘受害人合共被騙去逾110萬元。警方敦促民眾提防類似騙局，受害人也應立即向警方舉報。

列市騎警昨日公布，近期接獲有關冒充警員進行電話詐騙的舉報有所增加，警方在今年3月1日至4月8日間收到7宗報案，騙徒都是冒充中國公安或政府官員行騙，其中3宗案件的事主沒有匯款，但其餘受害人合共損失超過 110萬元。

列市騎警有組織罪案調查組警長Dave Au表示，這些騙徒可以表現得非常有說服力，「他們採取各種策略來欺騙人們，包括偽裝成合法的電話號碼，或者威脅受害人如果不付款，警方將會採取行動。騙徒的最終目標只有一個，就是騙取你的金錢。」

列市騎警發言人奧馬利(Adriana O’Malley)補充，這類騙案在社區中不斷出現，不幸地仍有民眾繼續受害，「這些詐騙可能會對受害人造成巨大的經濟和情感影響。」

警方提醒民眾，若有人自稱來自政府機構，要求使用比特幣(Bitcoin)、Google Play或iTunes禮品卡作為付款方式，應立即掛斷電話並向警方舉報。

警方指出，許多詐騙的手法萬變不離其宗，包括為列市居民帶來重大經濟損失的「浪漫騙局」(romance scam)。

警方建議民眾與親人經常討論這些騙局以提高他們的防範意識，也可以定期查看加拿大反詐騙中心(Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)的網站，以了解影響最新詐騙手法及更多資訊。

任何懷疑受騙的民眾，也應該向所屬地區的警方報案。

Suspects involved in grandparent scam had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege

A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to “Italian traditional organized crime,” according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.

Details of the interprovincial investigation, dubbed Project Sharp, were announced at a news conference in Scarborough on Thursday morning.

Police said 56 charges have been laid against 14 suspects, who were all arrested in the Montreal area.

Deputy Chief Benoit Dubé, with the Sûreté du Québec, said it is believed that the suspects were part of a group that had “ties to Italian traditional organized crime.”

According to police, since January, investigators have identified 126 victims who were defrauded out of a total of $739,000. Fifteen of those victims were targeted on multiple occasions, police said, resulting in the loss of an additional $200,000.

MAJORITY OF VICTIMS FROM ONTARIO

The victims, who range in age from 46 to 95, resided across the country, police said, adding that the majority were from Ontario.

According to investigators, four of the 14 suspects remain in custody while the other 10 have been released on bail. The charges they face include involvement in organized crime groups, extortion, impersonating a police officer, and fraud, police said.

OPP Det.-Insp. Sean Chatland told reporters Thursday that the investigation began as an intelligence probe in September 2022.

“It took us a significant period of time to really understand this group, to understand how they operated, to even just identify them,” Chatland said.

“Once we were able to identify this group, we moved to a criminal investigation immediately.”

By February 2023, Chatland said the probe was formalized into an OPP-led joint forces investigation involving police services in both Ontario and Quebec.

“This organized crime group demonstrated a deliberate and methodical approach in exploiting victims. They operated out of Ontario and Quebec, utilizing emergency grandparents scams on victims across Canada,” he said.

“They would impersonate police officers, judges, lawyers, and loved ones, preying on grandparents who believed they were trying to help family members in trouble.”

The victims, according to police, were instructed by the suspects not to speak to anyone due to a “gag order” that was in effect.

VICTIMS HAD LANDLINES

Chatland said in many cases, the suspects utilized “money mules” or couriers to collect large sums of money from the victims.

The victims, he said, were targeted based on the fact that they had landline telephones.

According to Chatland, the information the suspects used to defraud the victims was publicly available on the internet.

He said the impact on the victims in this case has been “devastating.”

“This investigation is far more than fraud,” Chatland said. “This organized crime group affected victims right across Canada in a manner that will be both mentally and financially life-altering for many.”

He said investigators have “collaborated closely” with financial institutions and the Canadian Bankers Association to recover more than $500,000 in losses.

FRAUD ‘MASSIVELY UNDERREPORTED’

Chatland said the OPP believes the group is responsible for more than $2.2 million in losses since the intelligence probe was launched in 2022.

“That is what we have been able to establish but we suspect it is probably larger than that,” he said.

He noted that the OPP believe only about five to 10 per cent of all fraud cases are actually reported to police.

“Fraud is massively underreported,” he said. “A lot of that has to do with victimization, with victim-blaming and people just feeling deceived. It is the nature of fraud.”

For a full list of arrests and charges follow this

—

14 arrested in grandparent scam investigation ‘Project Sharp’
Many of the suspects face charges related to participating in a criminal organization, fraud, extortion and personating a peace officer

Ontario Provincial Police announced 14 people from Montreal have been arrested, charged, and linked to the emergency grandparent scam widespread across Canada.

An intelligence probe led by the OPP anti-rackets branch that began in September 2022 became known as “Project Sharp” in February 2023 as a joint-forces operation with the OPP criminal investigation branch and 11 Ontario and Quebec police services.

The police services involved included the Sûreté Du Québec, and police services from Halton Region, York Region, Toronto, Hamilton, Peel, Durham Region, Ottawa, Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal, Service de Police de Laval, and Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. Additional assistance was provided by United States Homeland Security Investigations, Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

“Our dedicated officers tirelessly pursued justice in this complex investigation by working diligently to investigate, disrupt and dismantle the criminal organization targeting vulnerable individuals across the country,” said OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns in a news release. “Frauds can cause significant emotional and financial distress to the victims, and our officers remain steadfast in their mission to safeguard our communities.”

The emergency grandparent scam is aimed at seniors with a landline telephone. The scam caller pretends to be an officer or a lawyer with the victim’s grandchild or family member in custody. The scammer asks for bail money to secure the family member’s release.

In most cases, report police, unsuspecting couriers known as “money mules” were used to collect the money.

Victims are often instructed not to speak to anyone due to a “gag order” the scammers claim is in effect.

Police estimate the group of suspects they’ve arrested is responsible for over $2.2 million in reported losses Canada-wide.

Just this year, between Jan. 22 and April 8, there were 126 identified victims who reported losses totalling $739,000. Police say an “organized crime group” was running the fraud. Most of the victims live in Ontario, and were between 46 and 95 years old.

Of those 126 victims, 15 were re-victimized multiple times and lost more than $243,000.

According to the police news release, investigators worked with banks and the Canadian Bankers Association to prevent or recover more than $559,000 in losses.

Police laid 56 charges in total against the 14 people arrested.

“Project Sharp has disrupted the activities of a well-organized crime group using the grandparent scam that has affected numerous victims across Canada,” said Benoit Dubé, Deputy Director General, Criminal Investigations, Sûrete du Québec, in the news release. “The unity between law enforcement partners demonstrated our commitment to stopping these crimes and preventing further victimization. Cooperation and intelligence sharing were key to the success of this operation.”

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of the emergency grandparent scam or any fraud is urged to contact their local police, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. You can also report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. For resources on scams and fraud, visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

—

加国安省破获诈骗团伙 与意大利组织有关

安省省警周四（4月18日）在召开的新闻发布会上表示，他们已经“破获”了一个涉嫌利用“紧急求助祖父母”的诈骗手法，欺诈加拿大各地老年人数十万元的有组织犯罪团伙。调查发现，这个团伙与“意大利传统有组织犯罪”有关联。

据CP24报导，省警于周四上午在士嘉堡召开新闻发布会，揭露有关此次“夏普计划”（Project Sharp）行动的调查细节。

警方表示，对14名嫌疑人提出了56项指控，他们都在蒙特利尔地区被逮捕。

魁省安全局副局长伯努瓦‧杜贝（Benoit Dubé）表示，据信嫌疑人是“与意大利传统有组织犯罪”有联系的团伙。

自1月以来，调查人员已经确定了126名被欺诈的受害者，共计被骗73.9万元。警方表示，其中15名受害者多次成为目标，导致额外损失20万元。

大多数受害者来自安省
警方表示，受害者年龄在46岁至95岁之间，分布在全国各地，其中大多数在安省。

调查人员说，14名嫌疑人中有4人仍被拘留，其他10人已获保释。警方表示，他们面临的指控包括参与有组织犯罪团伙、敲诈、冒充警察，以及诈骗。

安省省警侦探肖恩‧查特兰（Sean Chatland）表示，这项调查始于2022年9月收到的情报。

“我们花了很长一段时间来真正了解这个团伙，了解他们是如何运作的，甚至如何识别他们。”查特兰说。

查特兰表示，到2023年2月，这项调查已正式成为安省省警主导的一项联合执法调查，涉及安省和魁省警方。

“这个有组织犯罪团伙展示了一种蓄意且系统的方式来利用受害者。他们在安省和魁省开展活动，利用紧急求助祖父母的诈骗手法来针对加拿大各地的受害者。”他说，“他们会冒充警察、法官、律师和亲人，以欺骗那些祖父母，让他们以为正在帮助自己的家人。”

而受害人也被嫌犯要求不要向任何人透露这件事，因为有“禁言令”（gag order）。

受害者拥有座机电话
查特兰表示，在许多情况下，嫌疑人利用“金钱使者”或信使来收取受害者的大笔资金。

他说，受害者因为拥有座机电话而成为目标。嫌疑人用来欺诈受害者的信息都是可以在互联网上公开获取的。

他表示，而这些案件对受害者的影响是“毁灭性的”。

查特兰说：“这起调查远不止是关于诈骗。”“这个有组织的犯罪团伙影响了加拿大各地的受害者，对许多人来说，这将在心理和财务上产生了可能改变人生的影响。”

他说，调查人员已与金融机构和加拿大银行家协会“密切合作”，以挽回超过50万元的损失。

Toronto police charge two men in alleged roofing scam

Toronto police are warning residents about a roofing scam following the arrest of two suspects in North York last Friday who are allegedly involved in the scheme.

Officers responded to the area of Keele Street and Wilson Avenue at 11 a.m. for a call for fraud.

Through their investigation, police learned that a group of males attended a home and allegedly told the owner that their roof and chimney needed urgent work.

The suspects then allegedly climbed the home’s roof and started taking the chimney apart without permission. Police said the work was not required and unnecessary.

As a result, they arrested 40-year-old Stephen Smith and 23-year-old Bernie Strokes. The two have been charged with fraud over $5,000 and mischief over $5,000.

On Saturday, police also released photos of the suspects as they believe there may be more victims.

According to police, the scam usually involves suspects going door to door, handing out flyers for fraudulent or non-existent companies offering roofing, paving and fencing services.

“The work is usually not completed or is substandard and done with poor quality products,” police said.

They advise residents to be cautious when solicited and not to share personal information with strangers.

Police noted that elderly and vulnerable citizens are the usual targets, and suspects use high-pressure tactics to get their way.

Woman arrested after allegedly stealing deposits from prospective tenants: police

Police have arrested a woman who allegedly advertised apartments for rent and then pocketed deposits from prospective tenants.

Police say that a suspect advertised apartments on various websites between June and August of last year.

It is alleged that the suspect would then ask prospective tenants to provide a deposit to secure the unit.

After the money was handed over, police say that the victims would be contacted advising them that the apartment was no longer available.

Those victims then subsequently learned that the suspect was not authorized to show or rent the apartments in the first place, police say.

Last week police issued an arrest warrant for the suspect and released her image publicly.

In a news release on Tuesday, police confirmed that a suspect has now been taken into custody.

Lariza Resendez Lopes, 26, of Toronto, has been charged with eight counts of fraud under $5,000 and eight counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

She is due in court on May 6.

Police continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information to contact investigators.

Toronto woman, 26, sought for alleged rental fraud arrested

A Toronto woman wanted in a rental fraud investigation has been arrested.

Toronto Police say that last year between June and August, a woman advertised apartments for rent in Toronto on websites.

Prospective tenants would give deposits for an apartment but later be contacted and told that the apartment was no longer available.

The victims then learned the woman was not authorized to show or rent the apartments.

Cops said that she had been operating under the company names ‘TorontoRental.org’ and ‘LRLManagement.’

On Thursday, police issued a release seeking help in finding the suspect and on Tuesday they announced she had been arrested.

Lariza Resendez Lopes, 26, is charged with eight counts of fraud under $5,000, and eight counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

She is to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on May 6 at 2 p.m. in room 202.

Toronto Police Service News Release
Woman Arrested in Rental Fraud Investigation
Case #: 2023-9043842 Published: Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 10:27 AM

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in a rental fraud investigation.

It is alleged that:
•between June 2023 and August 2023, a woman advertised apartments for rent in Toronto on various websites
•victims would provide deposits for an apartment
•victims would then be contacted advising that the apartment was no longer available
•the victims then discovered the woman was not authorized to show or rent the apartments

Lariza Resendez Lopes, 26, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with:
•eight counts of Fraud Under $5000
•eight counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000

She will attend court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 202.

See previous release▼

Toronto Police Service News Release
Suspect Sought in Rental Fraud Investigation,
Toronto area,
Image Released
Case #: 2023-9043842 Published: Thursday, March 28, 2024, 3:14 PM SHARE (OPENS IN NEW WINDOW)

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance locating a suspect in a fraud investigation.

It is reported that:
•between June 2023 and August 2023, a woman advertised apartments for rent in Toronto on various websites
•victims would provide deposits for an apartment
•victims would then be contacted advising that the apartment was no longer available
•the victims then discovered the woman was not authorized to show or rent the apartments

Lariza Resendez Lopes, 26, of Toronto is wanted for:
1.Fraud Under $5000
2.Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000

She has been operating under the company names “TorontoRental.org” and “LRLManagement”.

An image has been released.

Multiple victims have been defrauded and police believe there may be more victims.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the suspect, has been victimized by the suspect, or has any information, is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

Police are asking the public to consider the following when searching for apartment rentals:
•research the property in person
•double check the address to ensure it isn’t being listed elsewhere
•never pay with cash, wire transfer or hard-to-trace equivalents, such as MoneyGram or bitcoin
•be aware of “too good to be true” rent rates
•do not give a rent or security deposit before signing a lease
•speak to building property management and concierge/security

Wanted party

Fraud Prevention Month 2024: Fighting fraud in the digital era

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the Competition Bureau are once again joining forces for the 20th edition of Fraud Prevention Month.

Under the theme “20 years of fighting fraud: From then to now,” this year’s campaign will shed light on how fraudsters’ old tricks have now been refined with the use of technology. The campaign aims to help Canadians recognize warning signs, reject suspicious claims and report fraud to the authorities.

Recent numbers from the CAFC are concerning: in 2023 alone, Canadians lost a staggering $567 million – an increase of $37 million from 2022 and $187 million since 2021. Despite this rise in financial losses, the rate of frauds being reported remains low, with only 5% to 10% reported.

As law enforcement agencies and over 60 organizations across the country work together to raise awareness about fraud, Canadian consumers and businesses also play a key role in preventing it. Education remains the strongest line of defence against frauds.

Quick facts
In 2023, the top three most reported types of fraud were identity fraud, service fraud, and phishing –all designed to get you to pay or give away sensitive information like your social insurance number, passwords or banking details. The top three frauds reported that had the highest level of financial impact were investment scams, spear phishing, and romance scams.
In 2023, the CAFC received 116,403 reports which included at least 41,873 victims of fraud. The CAFC is jointly managed by the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police.

Quotes
Fraudsters and cybercriminals often operate with the confidence that they’re anonymous online and won’t be caught. But the impact that law enforcement, partners, and the public can have when working together is significant and can put a stop to more people becoming victims. As fraud continues to evolve we want to remind Canadian to remain vigilant by recognizing, rejecting, and reporting fraud.
RCMP’s Director General of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and National Cybercrime Coordination Centre, Chris Lynam

While technology has become mainstream for many Canadians for a broad range of day-to-day activities, fraudsters have also used it to enhance their tricks. With scams now more convincing than ever, staying informed is key to stay ahead of emerging frauds.
Commissioner of Competition, Matthew Boswell

Police warn of slight of hand used in recent FB Marketplace thefts
Richmond
2024-01-29 09:00 PST

In January 2024, Richmond RCMP is actively investigating 2 incidents of high dollar items being stolen. In these incidents, Facebook Marketplace was how the buyer and seller contacted each another.

The seller meets with the buyer. The buyer offers payment in cash. The buyer counts the cash in front of the seller and places it in an envelope. While the seller is distracted, the envelope is switched out for an envelope containing paper inside of it. The seller only realizes this once the buyer has left with their items. The items included designer bags such as those from Dior and Chanel, and Sony digital cameras.

Online Marketplaces can be a very positive experience for the buyer and seller. The vast majority of transactions would fall under that category says Inspector Mike Roberts, Operations Officer, Richmond RCMP.

Consider meeting only in public locations, preferably those with security cameras. Better still, many RCMP Detachments and municipal police agencies offer a safe transaction area where buyers and sellers may meet. Consider it a red flag when a buyer or seller refuses to meet at such a location. When presented with cash, be cognizant of this slight of hand technique adds Insp. Roberts.

Police believe there are likely unreported incidents that occurred via this and other online platforms in Richmond and neighbouring communities. If you have been a victim or may have been a victim, we advise reporting the incident to your local police.

Released by

Cpl. Dennis Hwang

Media Relations Officer
Richmond RCMP
11411 No. 5 Road, Richmond, BC V7A 4E8
Office: 604-207-5189
Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp-grc.gc.ca