Photo: Halton Police
A Georgetown resident has been arrested and charged following a lengthy fraud investigation.
In February, Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) officers conducted a traffic stop during which the driver of the vehicle provided identification that was not his own.
At that time, the driver, 31-year-old Hassam Syed of Georgetown was arrested and charged with:
- Obstruct Police
- Fail to comply with Undertaking
A large amount of financial documentation that was suspected to be stolen and/or fraudulently obtained was also seized at that time and the investigation was continued by the HRPS Regional Fraud Unit.
Through further investigation it was determined the accused was obtaining victim’s personal information and identification through theft of mail. This information was later used to commit various frauds.
On March 30th, Syed was arrested again and a search warrant was executed at his residence where the following items were located and seized:
- Various financial and other documentation belonging to approximately 500 victims of Identity theft
- 25 stolen government issued identifications (Driver’s Licences and Health Cards)
- 50 debit/credit cards belonging to various financial institutions
- Various electronics believed to be used in the commission of the offence
- Bear spray
- 20 oxycodone pills
- $2,000 in Canadian currency
As a result, Syed has additionally been charged with:
- Obtain or Possess another Person’s Identity Information
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking
- Theft from Mail
- Possession of a Forged Document with Intent
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
- Possession of Oxycodone
- Personation with Intent
Syed has been released from custody pending a court appearance.
If you believe that your personal information has been compromised, please consider the following:
- Contacting one of the consumer credit reporting agencies listed below and request a copy of your credit report.
- Equifax: 1-800-465-7166
- TransUnion: 1-800-663-9980
If your credit has been compromised, contact and advise the relevant financial institution(s). Provide them with the necessary details, and further request that they report the issue to the appropriate police jurisdictions.
For further inquiries, contact the Halton Regional Police Service – Fraud Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 8741.
Additional information on frauds and scams can be found here. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
