Man arrested for fraud after visit to Galeries de Saint-Hyacinthe

A person uses a smartphone. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP)

A 42-year-old man has been arrested for charges related to fraud, as well as the possession and use of false documents, during a visit to the Galeries de Saint-Hyacinthe.

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) explains that on Feb. 20, the man visited a cellphone store in the mall.

“During the transaction, the employee expressed doubts about the authenticity of the identification documents provided,” police explain. “Police officers from the MRC des Maskoutains were called to the scene and responded quickly, arresting the suspect.”

The SQ confirms that the man is known to police.

It adds that the “fraudulent acquisition of cellphones using false identification remains common practice.”

The force is reminding merchants to carefully verify the authenticity of a customer’s documents and always compare the information with their files.

“Remain vigilant for any inconsistencies or unusual behaviour,” the SQ notes. “If in doubt, it is recommended to suspend the transaction and contact the police.”