Hamilton, Ontario,
07
March
2019
|
15:15
America/New_York

Hamilton Scammer Arrested

Alleged Hamilton fraud scammer Jacob Miranda has been arrested for an outstanding warrant in relation to Vacation Rental and Event Ticket Scams. March is Fraud Prevention Month and the Hamilton Police Service is providing warning signs for Vacation Rental Scams.

During the month of December 2018, the Hamilton Police Service began receiving complaints regarding fraudulent event ticket sales, using internet transactions, for concerts in Toronto and Montreal. Additionally, police were made aware of bogus cottage and apartment rentals in the Hamilton area where unsuspecting renters would forward payment under the guise of a vacation rental and then no further information was offered and all communication would stop.

On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, police executed a search warrant at an east Hamilton address to seize computers but were unable to locate and arrest the offender Jacob Miranda.

On Wednesday, March 6, 2019, Jacob Miranda was arrested by Hamilton Police Service for offences related to the sale of fraudulent concert tickets as well as, bogus cottage and apartment rentals in the Hamilton area. He appeared at the John Sopinka Courthouse on Thursday, March 7, 2019, to answer to fraud-related charges.

CHARGED

  • Jacob Miranda, 27-years-of-age from Hamilton

CHARGES

  • Identity fraud
  • Fraud under $5000
  • Fail to comply probation X3

Hamilton Police believe there may be other victims who have yet to come forward. As such be aware of online advertisements for “cottage or apartment rentals”. If you believe you may have been a victim of a similar scam, or have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Greg Doerr by calling 905-546-3841.

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

Hamilton Police would like to remind all potential online renters or buyers to protect themselves from fraudsters. The following tips are offered from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center to increase community awareness and lessen the likeliness of additional victims.

Vacation rental scams

Warning signs - How to protect yourself

•The ad doesn't give the exact address of the rental and the same property is listed several times with different contact people.

•Payment is requested via wire transfer, money order, or cashier's cheque. Credit cards are not accepted.

•If possible, ask to see the property before you pay for it. If not, verify the property exists.

•Do some research on the rental