Two individuals are facing multiple criminal charges after an investigation into an alleged fraudulent attempt to obtain a vehicle from a Quinte West dealership.
Last Thursday, at approximately 2:00 p.m., members of the Quinte west OPP responded to a report from staff at the local dealership regarding a suspicious customer.
Dealership employees reported concerns that individuals attending the business may have been using fraudulent identification documents in an attempt to acquire a vehicle. Officers attended the dealership and initiated an investigation. Police arrested two individuals while the alleged transaction was in progress.
As a result of the investigation, Justin Gallant, 38, and Rebecca Foster, 46, both of Brampton, have each been charged with fraud over $5,000, using, dealing and acting on forged document and personation with intent (Identity Fraud)
Both accused were held for a bail hearing and remain in custody. They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville at a later date.
Police allege the accused attempted to obtain a vehicle through the use of fraudulent identification and forged documents. The cooperation and vigilance of dealership staff played a significant role in preventing the alleged fraud and ensuring police were contacted promptly.
The OPP would like to remind businesses and members of the public to remain vigilant when conducting financial transactions involving significant purchases. Fraudsters continue to use increasingly sophisticated methods, including counterfeit identification documents and stolen personal information, to facilitate fraudulent transactions.
Anyone with information regarding fraud-related offences is encouraged to contact the Ontario Provincial Police or Crime Stoppers.
