A 62-year-old Brampton man, John Marshall, has been charged with fraud after allegedly deceiving a victim into transferring $170,000 under the guise of investing in Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs). The incident, which dates back to June 2022, involved the victim clicking on a link for what appeared to be a legitimate British Columbia-based investment company. After communicating with a fraudulent representative, the victim transferred the funds, only to later discover they had been defrauded upon contacting the actual investment firm.
Peel Regional Police, in collaboration with the Vernon Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), conducted a joint investigation, identifying Marshall as the primary suspect. He has since been charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds obtained by crime. The case is still pending in court.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution when making online investments. They recommend consulting trusted sources, such as the Ontario Securities Commission or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, before transferring funds. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Fraud Bureau or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers.