Fraudsters attempt to purchase $70K vehicle at Exeter, Ont. car dealership: Huron OPP

OPP cruiser file image.

Two people from Orillia are facing charges after allegedly attempting to use fraudulent paperwork to purchase a $70,000 vehicle in late October.

According to a news release from Huron County OPP, on Oct. 30 police were contacted by staff at a car dealership in the Town of Exeter.

Police say staff members had discovered discrepancies in the documents provided by a potential vehicle buyer. Huron County OPP investigators gathered the information and confirmed the dealership’s suspicions.

On Nov. 1 a man and a woman attended the dealership to finalize the purchase of the $70,000 vehicle. Police were contacted and both suspects were arrested at the scene.

As a result of the investigation, a 54-year-old woman from Orillia has been charged with fraud over $5,000 for her alleged involvement.

The accused was processed and later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice in Goderich on Dec. 8.

A 59-year-old man, also from Orillia, has also been charged with the following offences for his alleged involvement:

• Fraud over $5,000
• Use, deals, acts on forged document
• Personation with intent - identity fraud

The accused was processed and later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice in Goderich on Dec. 8.

“Automotive dealerships and related businesses are reminded to conduct thorough checks of potential customers when it comes to large purchases, especially those being made online or over the phone,” OPP warn.

More information on common scams and frauds can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website.