NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE POLICE SERVICE
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Following a lengthy investigation the Barrie Police Fraud Unit arrested and charged five people from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), on Thursday, Mar. 2, 2017.
In early January of 2017 the Barrie Police Fraud Unit received a complaint of an online fraud perpetrated through Kijiji, a popular buy and sell website.
The investigation determined that between November 2016 and January 2017 various ads had been posted offering the sale of tickets to various sporting and entertainment events in the GTA.
The fraudsters convinced interested buyers to send money electronically via e-transfers in exchange for tickets which were never received. As part of the rouse, the suspects alleged to be and utilized the personal details of a 38-year-old woman from the Innisfil, whose identity had been stolen at the onset of the scam.
Twelve victims from throughout central and southern Ontario were defrauded on average of approximately $1,000 each.
A 16-year-old male from the GTA has been charged with; Identity Fraud, Possession of Proceeds of Crime, Laundering and twelve counts of Fraud Under $5,000.
A 19-year-old male from the GTA has been charged with; Identity Fraud, Possession of Proceeds of Crime, Laundering and twelve counts of Fraud Under $5,000.
A 20-year-old male from the GTA has been charged with; Identity Fraud, Possession of Proceeds of Crime, Laundering and twelve counts of Fraud Under $5,000.
A 17-year-old female from the GTA has been charged with; Identity Fraud, Possession of Proceeds of Crime, Laundering and twelve counts of Fraud Under $5,000.
A 21-year-old female from the GTA has been charged with; Identity Fraud, Possession of Proceeds of Crime, Laundering and twelve counts of Fraud Under $5,000.
The accused parties will appear in a Barrie Ontario Court of Justice on Mar. 20, 2017.
Investigators believe there may be more victims and are asking anyone who may have any information to contact Barrie Police Service Fraud Unit at (705)725-7025 ext. 2955 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.tipsubmit.com.
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