About Us

Fraud

The Halton Regional Police Service Regional Fraud Unit is managed by Staff Sergeant Chris Lawson and is made up of a team of 12 investigators. The Regional Fraud Unit conducts investigations into all aspects of economic crime, including:

Telemarketing/Internet/Mail generated fraud
Fraudulent use of Cheques & Credit Cards
Organized Financial Crime Groups
Counterfeit Currency
Insurance Fraud
Mortgage Fraud
Power of Attorney Fraud
Employee/Bookkeeper Fraud
Investment Fraud

The HRPS Fraud Unit is comprised of two teams:

Organized Financial Crime/Street Frauds (Card Team)

The Card Team is a proactive Unit that responds and assists uniform patrol with occurrences such as Debit Card Skimming Devices (operational) or Point of Sale Skimming Operations (Interac). The Card Team is also responsible for other investigations such as fake or fraudulent cheques, counterfeit currency, theft of mail, telemarketing scams and identity theft.

Corporate/General Fraud (Corporate Team)

The Corporate Team is responsible for complex financial frauds such as Investment Frauds, Mortgage Frauds, Stock Manipulation, and Major Employee Dishonesty Frauds.

Fraud Prevention

With the aim of reducing incidents of fraud within Halton Region, the HRPS Fraud Unit also offers presentations to a wide variety of community groups and businesses on fraud-related topics.

To request a presentation on fraud prevention, please contact:

HRPS Regional Fraud Unit
Fraud Intake Office 905-465-8741

Reporting a Fraud

If you have an EMERGENCY or are reporting a FRAUD IN PROGRESS,
CALL 9-1-1

(Non-Emergency)

If you are a victim of fraud or have a fraud related inquiry please contact the:

Fraud Intake Office
905-465-8741

Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Voice Message System will be activated after hours)

or

Halton Regional Police Communications at 905-825-4777
(North Halton 905-878-5511)

The Halton Regional Police Service does NOT accept fraud reports through online reporting or via email.

Are you a victim of Identity Theft?

If someone has taken or used your personal information to obtain credit, you should:

Immediately request a Fraud Alert be placed on your credit bureau accounts by contacting TransUnion and Equifax at:
- TransUnion – 1-800-663-9980
- Equifax – 1-800-465-7166
Also request a copy of your credit history report to review
If credit was obtained in your name, without your knowledge, report this to the creditor’s fraud department immediately
Contact your financial institution(s) and request flags be placed on your accounts
Contact the Fraud Intake Officer or report the Identity Theft at the police station nearest you
Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca
Keep a written record of all communications and actions taken during this process (i.e. financial institutions, credit provider, credit bureaus and police)
If you have been a victim of identity theft, complete an Identity Theft Statement. This document helps you notify financial institutions, credit card issuers and other companies that the identity theft occurred, tell them that you did not create the debt or charges, and give them information they need to begin an investigation. You will need Acrobat Reader to view the statement.

Are you a victim of Debit or Credit Card Fraud?

Notify the debit/credit card provider immediately if you are disputing a transaction or believe your account has been compromised (the creditor’s phone number should be located on the back of credit card)
If the financial institution or creditor takes responsibility for the loss, it is the responsibility of their Corporate Security Office to report the matter to police. You do not need to file a police report.
If the financial institution or credit card provider holds you responsible for the loss, you must request a letter in writing from them.
Following this request, contact the HRPS Fraud Intake Office at 905-465-8741
Keep a written record of all communications and actions taken during this process (i.e. financial institutions, credit provider, credit bureaus and police)

March is Fraud Prevention Month

Recognize It! Report It! Stop It!

March is National Fraud Prevention month and the Halton Regional Police, along with numerous government, law enforcement, consumer and volunteer groups and private sector firms will be sharing fraud prevention information to raise public awareness and educate the public to prevent them from becoming victims of this increasing crime.

Each year, thousands of Canadians of all ages and backgrounds become victims of fraud. Fraud victims not only suffer direct financial loss but may also endure the stressful process of reversing the damaging effects fraud and identify theft have on their credit and credit histories. Recognizing what could be a potential fraud is the first step in protecting yourself.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is Canada's central repository for data, intelligence and resource material as it relates to fraud. The CAFC commits to providing timely, accurate and useful information to assist citizens, businesses, law enforcement and governments in Canada and around the world. The CAFC's primary goals are prevention through education and awareness, disruption of criminal activities, dissemination of intelligence, support to law enforcement and strengthening partnerships between the private and public sectors with the aim of maintaining Canada's strong economic integrity.