Brampton Man Arrested in $170,000 Investment Scam

Detectives from the Fraud Bureau have arrested and charged a male in relation to an alleged investment scam.

In June of 2022, the victim conducted online queries into purchasing Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs). The victim unknowingly clicked on a link for a fictitious company name that closely resembled a legitimate investment company in British Columbia. The victim spoke with someone he believed to be a legitimate representative of the financial services company.  A total of $170,000 was transferred.  When communication between the victim and suspect ended, the victim contacted the actual investment company at which point he was informed he had been defrauded.

After a lengthy investigation, assisted by Vernon RCMP, a suspect was identified.

On September 20, 2024, John Marshall, a 62-year-old man from Brampton, was arrested and charged with the following:

• Fraud Over $5000

• Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime.

He will appear at a later date at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

Peel Regional Police remind individuals considering online investments to do their due diligence before transferring funds. Members of the public are also encouraged to consult with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and/or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) before investing.

www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

www.osc.ca

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453–2121, ext. 3335. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.