OPP arrest individual attempting $30,000 fraudulent purchase
DRYDEN, ON – A Carleton Place man has been charged with identity theft and credit card fraud after attempting to make a fraudulent purchase at a business in Dryden.
On September 10, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., members of the Dryden Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment responded to a report of potential identity theft and fraud. The suspect had contacted the business, using a fraudulent ID and credit card to place a deposit on a personal watercraft valued at $30,000. When the individual arrived on September 25 to collect the watercraft, police arrested him at the scene.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect, Joshua Inwood, 41, from Carleton Place, ON, was also in violation of conditions from a previous charge in Smiths Falls, ON. He now faces several charges, including:
- Identity Theft – Obtain or possess another person’s identity information
- Obtaining by False Pretence – Over $5,000
- Use of a Credit Card
- Failure to Comply with Undertaking
Inwood has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Dryden on November 4, 2024.
For more information on fraud and scams in Canada, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you believe you or a loved one have been a victim of fraud, contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers.
Protect Yourself and Your Family from Identity Theft
Identity theft is a growing concern, especially for vulnerable individuals like seniors. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your parents or grandparents from becoming victims:
- Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly review bank and credit card statements for unusual transactions. Encourage seniors to check their accounts frequently or offer to assist them.
- Shred Personal Documents: Always shred documents containing personal information, such as bills, bank statements, and expired IDs. This prevents fraudsters from retrieving sensitive data from the trash.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for online accounts and banking, and update them regularly. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when available.
- Avoid Sharing Information Over the Phone: Be cautious of unsolicited calls asking for personal or financial information. Scammers often pose as legitimate companies or government agencies to steal information.
- Freeze Credit When Not in Use: Consider freezing unused credit cards or placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This can prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.
- Stay Updated on Scams: Stay informed about current fraud schemes by checking resources like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Share these warnings with older family members to keep them aware of potential risks.
