Police: Norfolk resident loses $25,000 in telephone scam

A Norfolk County resident is out $25,000 after a telephone scam, but a suspect has been apprehended.

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Just after 9:30 am on Thursday, April 18 police began a fraud investigation at a Norfolk County residence where the victim received a call two days prior from someone claiming to be an employee of the Government of Ontario.

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The victim was told they faced imprisonment if they didn’t pay $25,000 and were told to bring the money to a specific person at an area business.

After making the initial payment, the fraudster called again and insisted that an additional $20,000 had to be paid and delivered to the same location and individual.

Police located the individual who had received the payment at a Lakeshore Road address in St. Williams and took the individual into custody just before 2 pm on Thursday, April 18.

The accused, a 25-year-old Scarborough resident, has been charged with fraud over $5,000 and was held in custody for a bail hearing.

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If you receive a fraudulent call, e-mail or text, or if you are a victim of fraud, report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501.

Man accused of theft

A 56-year-old Oxford County man has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting following an incident early Sunday afternoon, April 21.

Police were called to a Queensway East, Simcoe business where a person concealed a quantity of alcohol on his person and tried to leave without making payment.

Officers located a suspect inside the business and arrested him without incident.

He was held in custody for a bail hearing.

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