Halton Police Make Arrest in "Fake Agent" Scam
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made an arrest and laid charges in relation to a "fake agent" scam operating out of Milton.
In this type of fraud, scammers contact victims while posing as employees or agents of telecommunications companies (such as Rogers, Bell or Telus). Victims are manipulated into purchasing a new phone or other device through their existing account, often after being falsely told the device will be free. Once the victim receives the device, the scammer contacts them again, claims there was an error, and instructs them to return it to a PO Box controlled by the scammer. The devices are then shipped overseas and sold for profit.
Earlier this month, the HRPS was alerted to a number of fraudulent packages destined for a PO Box in Milton. Officers from the Financial Crimes Unit conducted surveillance and arrested a suspect while he was picking up the packages on July 9.
Adnan Asghar (42) of Milton has been charged with the following offences:
- Fraud Over $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
At the time of his arrest, the accused was in possession of 22 electronic devices - including iPhones, iPads and Samsung Galaxy phones - valued at more than $36,000.
Members of the public are reminded to use extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls claiming to be from telecommunications providers and should never ship newly purchased devices to a third party.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the HRPS Financial Crimes Unit at 905-825-4747.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Media Inquiries:
Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca