Fraud ring bust involves identity theft

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More than 30 people have been arrested and millions of dollars stolen, after a major financial fraud ring bust. Operation Springston originated in Hamilton, Halton and the GTA. But it involved hundreds of fraudulent transactions right across Canada.

Police say stealing people’s identity is the modern method of making a quick buck.

Organized crime has traditionally been associated with drugs, guns money laundering etc. But police say with the advancement of technology identity theft has become the fastest growing criminal activities in North America.

It can be as simple as clicking on a link inside an email from what you think it a reputable source. Like one from Air Canada. it says your order has been successfully processed and your credit card charged. If you click on the link, it asks for your personal information… but it’s a fake.

33 people have been arrested and 2 million dollars stolen from individuals and companies right across Canada.

Drivers licences, permanent resident cards, health cards, bank cards – those are just some of the documents this sophisticated organization was able to duplicate. And police say that identity theft can happen to anybody.

The organized crime group used stolen personal information obtained after claiming to be from an established legitimate organization. They used that info to order or re direct new cheques and banking access cards.

Police have this word of advice “If you receive an email that appears to be legitimate bank – and it’s asking for your personal information…banks don’t operate that way.”

When in doubt call the institution sending you the email. Even if it seems legitimate. And never click on the links and offer up your personal information. If your identity is stolen always report it to police.

This is just the first phase of the investigation and police say they expect to make more arrests in the near future.