Detectives from the Hamilton Police Service Major Fraud Unit have continued the investigation of a fraudster couple identified in January 2020.

On Thursday, January 16, 2020, Hamilton Police executed a search warrant at a residence related to a couple previously charged with multiple fraud offences. At that time, a number of items seized from the location included electronic devices, appliances, payment cards, identification, banking documents and mail addressed to a number of people not affiliated with the address.

Through continued investigation, detectives obtained a warrant to examine the seized electronic devices. As a result, police identified personal and banking information for an additional 162 victims of identity theft. These victims suffered bank account takeovers, fraudulent transactions on their credit cards, loans and other credit obtained in their names.

The accused couple has been made aware of the ongoing investigation as well as the additional charges.

CHARGED

• Bobbi-Jo REICHHELD, female 34-years-of age from Hamilton and Joshua VIRAG, male 31-years-of –age of no fixed address

CHARGES JOINTLY SHARED

• Identity theft X 152
• Identity fraud X 78
• Fraud under $5000 X 23
• Unauthorized possession of a credit card X 3
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 X 11
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 X 1
• Mischief to property over $5000 X 1
• Possession of counterfeit mark X 3

CHARGED

• Joshua VIRAG

ADDITIONAL CHARGES

• Fraud under $5000 X 3
• Identity theft X 8
• Identity fraud X 9

REICHHELD is scheduled to appear at the John Sopinka Courthouse on June 11, 2020. Joshua VIRAG is scheduled to appear at the John Sopinka Courthouse on April 30, 2020. The couple will be facing 292 criminal charges.

The public is reminded that if they learn their bank account or credit card account has been compromised, to call the police and file a report.

For cases of Identity Fraud contact credit reporting centres to check your credit activity and flag your credit account for fraud:

• TransUnion #1-877-525-3823
• Equifax #1-800-465-7166

If you have any information that you believe could assist the police with this investigation, you are asked to contact Detective Angela Abrams by calling 905-546-4603.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com