Fraudster Attempts to Fool Off-Duty Officer
An off-duty police officer with his family was approached by a fraudster who attempted to sell him costume jewellery. The male was arrested and will appear in court on Tuesday, April 9, 2019.
On Monday, March 11, 2019, shortly after 2:30 p.m., an off-duty officer was with his family, parked at a shopping centre in the area of Barton Street East and Centennial Parkway. At that time a male parked beside him and from his vehicle attempted to sell him what he claimed to be solid 10 k gold jewellery for $300.00. He claimed he needed money for gas. The officer informed the male that he was not interested. The male then exited his vehicle and approached the officer’s vehicle, stuck his head inside the window and attempted to engage him in conversation based on the officer’s children. He was ordered away from the vehicle and the officer exited and identified himself as an employee of the Hamilton Police Service. The male attempted to flee but was secured. A passerby assisted by contacting police. He then advised the male had tried the same sales pitch with him moments earlier.
The male, 29-years-of-age from Scarborough, was arrested and will appear in court on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, to answer to the charge of Fraud under $5000.00.
The jewellery was seized as evidence. It was determined to be costume jewellery valued between $2-10.00.
March is Fraud Prevention Month and Hamilton Police are reminding the public to be on alert for fraudsters and the scams they peddle. Check out the link below to help minimize the risk of being a victim.