Members from the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged a male after investigating reports of fraudulent internet tower installations.
Police have investigated two reported incidents where arrangements were made with a male claiming to work for a legitimate internet company, to have internet towers installed on properties in Alnwick-Haldimand Township. The victims were told the towers would greatly increase their internet signals. In order to proceed the victims were required to pay a portion of the cost up front for equipment and materials that needed to be ordered and delivered prior to starting the project.
Once the required funds were paid, communications with the male proved to be difficult and resulted in false commitments. The victims made several attempts to contact the male over the course of several weeks to inquire about a refund but all forms of communication were avoided. It became clear to the victims that the male had no intentions of providing the service he was paid to do.
Brian O’DONAGHUE (age 29) of Port Hope, Ontario is currently before the courts after being charged with Fraud Over $5,000.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud please contact your local police service and the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at 1 888 495 8501 or report online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
For more information and crime prevention tips please go to www.opp.ca or visit he Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.