Durham Regional Police are searching for additional potential victims after arresting a 39-year-old Brampton woman accused of using stolen identification to fraudulently finance a luxury SUV.
Durham Regional Police have charged a Brampton woman following an investigation into an alleged identity fraud scheme involving the attempted purchase of a 2027 Mercedes-Benz SUV. Investigators say the suspect submitted an online purchase application to a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Durham Region on September 30, 2026 using identification documents that appeared to belong to the victim, allowing the suspect to obtain approval for vehicle financing through a financial institution.
Police allege the suspect submitted images including a Canadian passport displaying her own photograph alongside the victim’s personal information. The fraudulent application successfully passed the dealership’s financing process, and arrangements were made for the vehicle’s purchase. However, the transaction came to a halt before the SUV could be released. The legitimate identity holder learned about the unauthorized purchase and contacted both Durham Regional Police and the dealership to report the suspected fraud.
On October 8, 2026, officers arrested the suspect when she arrived at the dealership to finalize the transaction and collect the vehicle. Police took her into custody without incident. Investigators identified the accused as Skylar Porter, 39, of Brampton. She faces five criminal charges: fraud over $5,000, uttering a forged document, personation, possession of an identity document and possession of cocaine. Police subsequently released Porter on an undertaking. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Investigators believe the accused may be connected to additional incidents and are appealing to anyone who suspects their identity has been used without authorization. The case highlights how criminals can exploit stolen personal information and altered identification documents to apply for financing or purchase expensive merchandise. Fraudulent vehicle purchases can expose victims to unauthorized debts, damaged credit records and the lengthy process of correcting financial accounts opened in their names.
Durham Regional Police are encouraging anyone with information about the investigation or similar suspicious transactions to contact Detective Stuart of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 5353. Individuals who prefer to remain anonymous can provide information through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Eligible tipsters may receive a cash reward of up to $2,000. Police have also published a photograph of the accused as they continue seeking information from potential victims.
