Laval police are asking the public to help identify a suspect in an ongoing fraud investigation who allegedly impersonated a police officer and stole gold jewelry and credit cards from multiple victims. The man allegedly posed as a police officer and told victims by phone they had been defrauded, then told them to place their credit and debit cards, along with their gold jewelry, in an envelope for protection. He also allegedly asked victims to provide their personal identification numbers (PINs). According to Laval police, another individual then came, took the items, and left. The fraud occurred soon after this person left. The suspect was observed making ATM transactions in Sherbrooke, Quebec City, and Laval shortly after items were collected from multiple victims. “Unfortunately, there are a great many victims of ‘fake representative’ and ‘grandparent’ scams in the province,” Laval police wrote in a press release. “The victims targeted are primarily seniors or vulnerable individuals, which is why it is important to be extra vigilant.” Laval police remind the public never to share personal information with strangers, including their name or their debit or credit card numbers. They also said no financial or government agency will contact people by email, phone, or text message, or visit their home directly to ask for personal information, collect bank cards, or take other valuables. People can check with TransUnion and Equifax to see whether credit applications have been submitted or accounts opened in their names without their consent. Anyone with information regarding this case, or who has been a victim of this type of fraud, may contact the Info-Police Hotline confidentially at 450-662-INFO (4636) or call 911 and mention case number LVL-260522-003.
