A Brampton man is in custody after a bank fraud scam in February targeting an elderly woman in Durham Region.
Durham Regional Police said the victim received a phone call from a woman who claimed to be an employee of a financial institution. The caller advised the victim that her banking cards had been compromised and needed to be collected and was told that a representative would attend her home to retrieve the cards and arrange replacements.
A short time later, a man visited the victim’s residence and obtained her bank cards and iPhone. The victim was told he would return within an hour with replacement cards and her phone. He did not return.
Investigators determined that more than $3,000 was withdrawn from the victim’s account and fraudulent transactions were conducted using the victim’s bank cards.
Officers were able to identify a suspect after an eight-month investigation and arrested Arashdeep Singh, 31, who was charged with theft, two counts of fraud and eight counts of attempted fraud, possession of property obtained by crime, nine counts of unauthorized use of credit card data, nine counts of using credit card data obtained by crime, four counts of disguise with intent and two probation breaches.
He was held for a bail hearing.
Durham Police want to remind residents never to provide personal information, banking cards, PIN numbers, or cash to anyone who contacts them by telephone claiming to represent a bank or financial institution.
“If you believe you have been targeted by a fraud, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police. Banks will never send a courier or representative to your home to collect banking cards, PINs, or cash.”
Police are also encouraging residents to speak with family members and loved ones about fraud prevention and to remain vigilant against scams targeting seniors and vulnerable persons.
Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is asked to call Central East Division’s PC Hristov at 1-888-579-1520 ext.1701.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.
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