Police seek help identifying suspects in $24,000 fraud case

 https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/police-seek-help-identifying-suspects-in-24-000-fraud-case.aspx

Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2025

Back to Search

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday,  May 6, 2025                10:35 a.m.

(Ottawa)— The Ottawa Police Service ​is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying individuals captured in the attached photographs in connection with a credit card fraud incident.

On November 22, 2024, a victim’s credit card was stolen and subsequently used at two retail locations. The fraudulent transactions totalled approximately $24,000. Investigators are seeking to identify and locate the individuals involved.

Suspect #1 is described as a man, wearing a white baseball cap, black coat, black pants and black sneakers.

Suspect #2 is described as a man, wearing black tuque, black hoodie and dark beige coat.

Suspect #3 is described as man, wearing a red hoodie, black coat, black pants and white and black sneakers.

Suspect #4 is described as man, wearing a black tuque, black long-sleeved jacket, light coloured pants and white sneakers.

 Contact information

Anyone with information regarding the identities or know the individuals, please contact West Criminal Investigation at 613-236-1222 or email westcriminalinvestigations@ottawapolice.ca.

Stay anonymous and call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a time online at crimestoppers.ca.

- 30 -

Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

Fraud Alert: Two men charged after posing as bank fraud investigators

 https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/fraud-alert-two-men-charged-after-posing-as-bank-fraud-investigators.aspx

Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2025

Back to Search

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 11:05 a.m.

(Ottawa) — Members of the Organized Fraud Unit have been investigating a series of incidents where individuals have posed as bank fraud investigators. They often call from fake phone numbers or call display titles, purporting to work for financial institutions. Once they have gained their victims' trust, they trick them into believing their bank accounts have been compromised, obtain their banking pins and/or passwords, and instruct them to leave their cards out for a “courier” to retrieve. Once the fraudster obtains the cards, they will withdraw cash from their accounts and make as many purchases as possible before their victims catch on.

As a result of the subsequent investigations, a 24-year-old Ottawa man and a 19-year-old Ottawa man have been arrested and charged with:

• Fraud Exceeding $5000
• Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
• Use/Possess Credit Card Obtained by Offence
• Possess Property or Thing Obtained by Crime Exceeding $5000
• Fraud Not Exceeding $5000.

Police believe there may be more victims. If you believe you are a victim or know of someone who may be a victim, please contact Det. McDonald, at 613-236-1222, extension 5292 or by email at mcdonaldma@ottawapolice.ca.

For the latest fraud trends, how to protect yourself, and information on what to do if you believe you are a victim of fraud, you can access the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Stay anonymous and call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a report online at crimestoppers.ca.

-30-

Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:     

Media Relations

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366

Police seek suspect in credit card fraud investigation

 https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/police-seek-suspect-in-credit-card-fraud-investigation.aspx

Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2025

Back to Search

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 24, 2025                8:25 a.m.

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service is seeking the public's help in identifying a suspect involved in a series of fraudulent credit card transactions on March 15, 2025.

The suspect used a stolen credit card at three separate businesses in the Kanata area, resulting in a significant financial loss.

The suspect is described as a White man, approximately 40-50 years old, with a goatee and a heavy build. He was wearing white/grey running shoes, navy blue jogging pants, a beige or black jacket, a white/beige shirt, and a black hat. The man is often seen wearing a medical mask and has reading glasses hanging around his neck. A wedding ring is also worn on his left hand.

Contact information

If you have information about the incident, please contact the West Criminal Investigations Section at 613-236-1222, extension 2666 or by email at westcriminalinvestigations@ottawapolice.ca.

Stay anonymous and call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a time online at crimestoppers.ca.

-30-

Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

Can you identify these suspects who used stolen cards?

https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/can-you-identify-these-suspects-who-used-stolen-cards.aspx

 Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2025

Back to Search

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 24, 2025        2:43 p.m.

(Ottawa)— ​On October 11, 2024, three unknown suspects—a female and two males—attended the Bank of Montreal in the 1900 block of Montreal Road in Ottawa. The suspects used three stolen debit and credit cards to withdraw an undisclosed amount of money from the ATM. Subsequently, they visited nearby retail establishments, including Walmart, Best Buy, and Metro, making purchases with the stolen cards.

One suspect is described as a Black woman, wearing a surgical mask, white/light grey jogging pants, and a blue Reebok hoodie.

The other suspect is described as a Black male, wearing dark pants, a dark hoodie, black Titleist baseball cap and white sneakers.

The last suspect is described as a Black male, wearing a surgical mask, light coloured jogging pants, blue hoodie and white Adidas sneakers.

Contact information

If you know who this is or have information about the incident, please contact Detective Hardy, at 613-236-1222, extension 3335 or by email at hardyd@ottawapolice.ca.

Stay anonymous and call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a time online at crimestoppers.ca.

- 30 -

 Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

 

Warning: OPS and OPP Alert Public to New Scam Targeting Seniors with Fake Gold Investment Schemes

 https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/warning-ops-and-opp-alert-public-to-new-scam-targeting-seniors-with-fake-gold-investment-schemes.aspx

Posted on Monday, April 14, 2025

Back to Search

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 14th, 2025            12:25 p.m.

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning the public about a new scam where criminals are tricking elderly people into buying and shipping large amounts of gold to avoid financial loss.

The OPS has received reports from two elderly victims who were scammed into buying over $500,000 worth of gold each, which the suspects arrange to pick up from the victim at their residence. The OPP in Norfolk County has also reported a similar case, with losses of nearly $350,000.

This scam is a new version of the "Grandparent Scam," where criminals previously claimed a loved one was in trouble and needed money for bail. Now, the scam artists are telling victims that the only way to protect their money is to buy gold.

The criminals use pop-up messages that look like they are from trusted sources on the victims’ computers, convincing them that their online financial information has been stolen. Once the suspects have gained the victims’ trust, they convince them to buy gold and then arrange to pick it up, leading to significant financial loss. The victims are told not to tell their family or bank.

The OPS and OPP are urging everyone, especially older people, to be careful and follow these tips:

• Do not buy gold or gift cards if you get unexpected pop-up messages, emails, or phone calls.
• If someone asks you to buy gold or gift cards to protect your money, talk to a trusted family member or friend before doing anything.
• If you think you’ve been targeted or already lost money, call 211 or your local police right away.

“These scams can sound very convincing, and we don’t want anyone to feel embarrassed about coming forward,” said Fraud Detective Shaun Wahbeh. “If something feels suspicious, always ask for help. We’re here to help you.”

“Those behind this type of scam are always changing their tactics, and we need to stay alert,” said OPP Regional Media Coordinator Bill Dickson. “If you’re contacted by these criminals, don’t hesitate to report it to the police. You’re not alone.”

Both the OPS and OPP are dedicated to helping the public and stopping these scams. If you think you’ve been a victim or see something suspicious, please contact the police.

For more information or to report a scam, visit ottawapolice.ca or opp.ca.

-   30 -

Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

Man arrested for fraudulent investment scam with victims losing over $240,000

 https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/man-arrested-for-fraudulent-investment-scam-with-victims-losing-over-240-000.aspx

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 27, 2025    10:25 am

(Ottawa) —Between December 2023 and September 2024, an Ottawa man ran a fraudulent investment scam, defrauding friends and acquaintances of over $240,000.

The Ottawa Police Service has charged Timothy LAFLAMME, 39, with:

• Eight counts of Fraud Over $5,000
• Two counts of Fraud Under $5,000

LAFLAMME allegedly approached each victim and offered them an opportunity to invest with a company that he presented as being a real estate platform, presenting himself as a qualified investor.

LAFLAMME took the victims’ money and used it to cover personal expenses and to invest in cryptocurrency. He appeared in court yesterday.

If anyone has been defrauded by this individual, please contact the Ottawa Police Service Fraud Section. She can be reached at 613-236-1222, extension 5190 or by email at fraud@ottawapolice.ca.

- 30 - 

 Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

$100 counterfeit bills are circulating in Ottawa

 https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/100-counterfeit-bills-are-circulating-in-ottawa.aspx

Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2025

Back to Search

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 27, 2025              10:00 a.m.

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service is asking Ottawa residents to be on the lookout for counterfeit $100 bills after receiving reports of fake currency being used in several ongoing investigations.

Since December 2024, the Ottawa Police Fraud Unit has received multiple reports of counterfeit currency.  These bills are often used without retailers noticing, only to be identified as counterfeit later.

Here are some ways to tell if your currency is counterfeit:

• Check serial numbers when accepting cash. Each bill should have a unique serial number.
• Check the window on the bill for tiny numbers matching the denomination.
• Verify that the portrait in the window matches the main portrait.
• Use a small, bright light to see tiny numbers in the maple leaf window.
• Ensure the image in the window changes colour.
• Feel the raised ink on the main portrait by running your finger over it.
• Observe the bill to see if it is identified as “prop money” or “for film use only,”  often times, this can be seen in the fine print.

If you have been a victim of fraud, please report it online with the Ottawa Police Service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or by phone at 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free).

- 30 -

Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366