Peel police arrest man in alleged 'romance scam,' believe there are more victims
A Brampton man has been arrested after allegedly receiving over $10,000 in a “romance scam,” and police believe there may be more victims.
In a news release on Thursday, Peel Regional Police said an older adult victim sent money to the suspect to allegedly pay off their legal fees and medical bills, “all with the promise to one-day meet in person.”
After speaking with their family, police said the victim realized they were the target of a “romance scam.”
According to police, the victim only communicated with the suspect electronically and never met them in person.
The suspect allegedly received more than $10,000 through electronic transfer methods.
The scam, police said, lasted for months during 2020 and into 2021.
An arrest has been made in connection with the investigation.
Brampton resident Alex Jana, 64, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime.
He was released on an undertaking and will appear in a Brampton court on Jan. 9, 2023.
“The Fraud Bureau is dedicated to protecting individuals, groups, and vulnerable persons in our community. Our most vulnerable population is targeted, manipulated, and taken advantage of in many fraud-related cases for the fraudster's profit,” police wrote in the news release.
Investigators believe that there may be more victims within the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
“Peel Regional Police would like to remind our residents that scammers will use any means necessary to convince you that their requests are legitimate. Protect yourself and always avoid sending money or personal information to someone you haven’t met,” they wrote.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact them at (905) 453-3311, ext. 3335 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
DEVELOPING Israel says Hamas deal is 'far' from meeting its demands as Rafah offensive looms
Israel said the terms of a ceasefire deal Hamas accepted on Monday remained 'far from' meeting its demands and warned its military operations in Rafah would continue, even as it sent negotiators to talk to mediators.
2024 Met Gala: Everything to know about fashion's annual soiree
Fashion's biggest night out — hosted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York each year on the first Monday of May — is both a forever-evolving spectacle and a carefully crafted event.
Concern over speeding in Fredericton neighbourhood grows after 2 teens, young adult killed in crash
Three people – including two teens – are dead, and two others are injured after a crash that has left a greater Fredericton community shaken.