Hamilton (January 30, 2020) – The Toronto Police arrested Emre Suna from Hamilton following a phone scam investigation. He is accused of impersonating an RCMP officer while defrauding people over the phone using gift card information. On January 28, the Toronto police executed a search warrant and arrested Suna with the assistance of the Hamilton police. He has been charged with three counts of Fraud Over $5000 and three counts of Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000.
The Organized Crime Section of the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit arrested Emre Suna from Hamilton as a result of a phone scam investigation on January 28, according to a press release.
Fake RCMP officer asking for gift card information
The 26-year-old Suna is accused of impersonating an RCMP officer while conducting phone scams. The police explain that the victims were told they were assisting the RCMP with an investigation. Subsequently, the fake federal investigator demanded of the victims to withdraw large sums of money.
Thereafter, the victims were instructed to purchase several gift cards with the withdrawn money at various retailers. In the end, the scammer asked the victims to provide the gift card information to him over the phone.
The police did not specify how many people have reported being victimized in the course of this scheme, nor the amount they have been defrauded.
Search warrant at a Hamilton residence leads to arrest in phone scam investigation
Following an investigation, the Toronto police executed a search warrant at a Hamilton residence with the assistance of the Hamilton police on January 28. As a consequence, Suna was arrested and has been charged with three counts of Fraud Over $5000 and three counts of Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000. He is scheduled to appear in Hamilton court on February 27.
‘Police want to remind the public to use caution when dealing with strangers by telephone, or the internet, who request funds be sent by cash, wire transfer, or gift card, as it is a common tool used by fraudsters,’ Toronto police stated in their press release. ‘Police agencies will never request cash, wire transfer, or gift cards to be sent to assist in investigations. Report such activity immediately to police.’
Read more: Individual arrested in connection with nation-wide phone scams
The police believe there may be more victims who have been defrauded. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).
