Police Warning Residents of Scam Targeting Specific Community in Brampton

Published July 25, 2017 at 8:24 pm

Peel Regional Police are warning residents about a fake advertisement that’s going around for travel services.

Peel Regional Police are warning residents about a fake advertisement that’s going around for travel services.

According to the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau, ads for fraudulent services for visitor work visas, work permits, and immigration documents are placed in local Chinese newspapers.

Police say the scam targets the Chinese community.

When victims contact the fraudulent companies, they are assured that the company will help them secure travel documents, plane tickets, and visas for family living in China to travel to Canada for work.

Then, the victims are asked for one or more cash deposits to secure the documents and assist with the process.

Often, the companies provide fake identification and business documents for believability.

The promised documents are never provided after money is exchanged, which often results in the family or friend in China waiting for a ride to the airport that never comes.

In terms of preventative measures, police have a few tips for residents to keep in mind:

  • Be wary of ads that sound “too good to be true.”

  • Gao Sheng Investment Corporation does not exist and the fake company name has been used by culprits in the past.

  • The culprit will only accept cash up front, and will not accept cheque or card for payment.

  • There will be no in-office meetings – representatives will always ask to meet in person such as at the victim’s residents or at a coffee shop.

  • Double check any information the representative gives you, like if their business address exists and if the phone number leads to an actual business, not a cell phone.

  • Treat requests for money with caution and due diligence.

Peel Regional Police are actively investigating these incidents and ask that if anyone has any information in regards to this type of scam to contact police immediately.  Please contact the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3335.  Anonymous tips can also be left by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

For more info on current scams, click here.

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