Brampton man facing charges in connection with computer scam that targeted 330 Canadians
A Brampton man is facing charges in connection with a "transnational computer technical support” scheme that scammed about 330 Canadians out of about $500,000.
On Wednesday, Peel Regional Police said its Cyber Support Services and Fraud Bureau, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and U.S. law enforcement agencies finished their year-long investigation into a cyber-enabled fraud scheme that took place from January 2020 to February 2022.
The scam, which targeted seniors across Canada, tricked victims into believing their computers were infected with malware or a virus, including spam phone calls or pop-up ads that would flash on their computer screens.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Officers say the victims would be put in contact with so-called call centre agents who would convince them to pay hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars for needless computer repair services. Occasionally, police said the victims would allow these agents to gain access to their computers remotely.
According to police, the scams were run through the following three businesses: A2Z Consultants Group Inc., QB Services and SSS Consultants.
The scammers operated out of Brampton, Ont., New York and New Jersey in the U.S. and New Delhi, India. Police in India and the U.S. also laid charges against those who participated in this scheme.
Brampton’s Jayant Bhatia, 34, is facing charges for unauthorized use of a computer, fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.
Police ask anyone with information to call the Fraud Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 3335, or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday
Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Storm-battered U.S. South is again under threat. A boy swept into a drain fights for his life
Dangerous storms crashed over parts of the U.S. South on Thursday even as the region cleaned up from earlier severe weather that spawned tornadoes, killed at least three people, and gravely injured a boy who was swept into a storm drain as he played in a flooded street.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.