Two Ottawa youths arrested for online shopping fraud offences

http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/index.aspx?newsId=27c779c4-2df6-4dfd-97c3-52b87b60592f

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 24, 2016           11:26am 

(Ottawa) — On February 19, 2016, two 17 year old males from Ottawa were arrested in the 1700 block of Russell Road following an undercover police operation related to the online advertisement of a cellular phone for sale.  

The police operation, conducted by East District Investigations and Neighbourhood Officers, was the result of an incident on January 23^rd where a young complainant answered an online advertisement and was defrauded a sum of money.   

As a result of the investigation, the two youths were charged as follows:

Young offender 1:

• Fraud not exceeding $5000, contrary to s. 380(1)(b) of the CCC
• Unlawfully in a Dwelling home, contrary to s. 349(1) of the CCC
• Mischief to property not exceeding $5000 contrary to s. 430(4) of the CCC 

Young offender 2:

• Unlawfully in a Dwelling home, contrary to s. 349(1) of the CCC
• Mischief to property not exceeding $5000 contrary to s. 430(4) of the CCC 

The Ottawa Police would like to remind the public of basic “buyer beware” guidelines when responding to online ads:

• Do not give money until you have seen and inspected the item you are buying;
• Do not go to a seller’s address alone, if possible;
• Set up a meeting in a public place to purchase your desired item;
• For cell phones, ask for the 15 digit IMEI in advance to ensure it is not stolen;
• Ask for valid identification from the seller;
• If you are a victim of a crime, report to police immediately. 

For more information http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/about-us/common-scams.asp 

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