Photo: Halton Police
A Milton man is facing fraud-related charges following an investigation into a “fake agent” scam.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) says the scammers targeted victims by posing as representatives of major telecommunications companies. Fraudsters would contact victims while claiming to work for companies such as Rogers, Bell, or Telus. They convince victims to order a new phone or electronic device through their existing account after being falsely told it will be free. Once the device arrives, the scammer contacts the victim again, claims there was an error, and instructs them to mail the device to a post office box controlled by the suspects. The devices are then allegedly shipped overseas and sold for profit.
Earlier this month, the HRPS was alerted to several suspicious packages destined for a post office box in Milton. Officers with the Financial Crimes Unit conducted surveillance and arrested a suspect while he was collecting the packages on Thursday, July 9th.
As a result of the investigation, 42-year-old Adnan Asghar of Milton has been charged with:
- Fraud Over $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
The accused was found in possession of 22 electronic devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Samsung Galaxy phones, with a combined value of more than $36,000.
Investigators are reminding residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from telecommunications providers and advise never sending newly purchased electronic devices to a third party.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the HRPS Financial Crimes Unit at 905-825-4747.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.
