A Brampton man has been charged with fraud after allegedly leading someone to believe they bought Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) through a legitimate investment company in British Columbia.
Just over two years ago, in June 2022, Peel Regional Police said the victim looked into GICs online, and clicked on a link for a fake company that appeared to resemble an actual investment company in British Columbia.
The victim spoke with someone he thought was a credible representative of the company, police said, and transferred $170,000.
When the victim contacted the real investment company, he learned he had been defrauded.
Police said after a joint, lengthy investigation with Vernon Royal Canadian Mounted Police, they identified John Marshall, a 62-year-old man from Brampton, as the suspect.
On Sept. 20, officers charged Marshall with fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds obtained by crime. The charges have not been tested in court.
Police urge the public to do their due diligence before transferring any …