Ottawa police charge 7 people accused of using fake diplomas when seeking PSW jobs

The sign outside Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin Street is seen in this undated photo. (Aaron Reid/CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service says seven people are facing charges following a fraud investigation into people accused of using fake documents to obtain jobs working with vulnerable people.

Police say the investigation began in April and concluded last week. Seven people have been accused of using phony diplomas to get jobs as personal support workers, working with vulnerable people.

The seven individuals, who range in age from 22 to 48, are facing charges of uttering forged documents.

Ottawa police said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa that the accused were not hired anywhere.

“Due to their diligence during the employee screening process, the company identified the fake diplomas and subsequently reported the matter to the police,” a spokesperson said.

“No one was hired in this case; therefore, no vulnerable individuals were ultimately placed at risk.”

As the matter is now before the courts, police said they could offer no additional comments.

“The Ottawa Police Service is dedicated to ensuring that the safety of the vulnerable section is paramount and will investigate crimes that put those in the vulnerable section at risk,” said Staff Sgt. Sammie Brennan of the Financial Crimes Unit in a news release.

Police say anyone with additional information related to this investigation is asked to contact the OPS Financial Crimes Unit/Adult and Vulnerable Adult Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5292.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

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