Niagara Falls couple arrested in connection with real estate fraud investigation

Niagara police say a man and woman from Niagara Falls have been arrested in connection with a fraud investigation.

In January, Grimsby officers responded to a residence in Lincoln for a fraud complaint.

Police say initial investigation determined that in November 2021, the homeowner has been approached by a married man and woman claiming to be interested in purchasing their home and property. The residence is located in rural Lincoln near Fly Road and Campden Road.

Over the following weeks, police say a purchase contract totaling $5.6 million was agreed on through real estate agents and legal counsel. The seller vacated the property in anticipation of the deal closing.

After repeated delays and a further review of the paperwork to support the sale supplied by the man and the woman, police say fraudulent documents were found.

The deal was then cancelled and the victim had already spent around $35,000 in moving and legal fees.

As a result of investigation, detectives identified the man and the woman.

Police say the man was a suspect in an attempted fraudulent Grimsby condominium purchase in May 2021 and a St. Catharines storage unit scam in February 2021.

As a result of the investigation, 55-year-old Maria Pierce and 55-year-old Anthony Pierce, both of Niagara Falls, were arrested and charged.

Anthony was charged with five counts of fraud over $5,000 and three counts of false pretence, while Maria was charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 and one count of false pretence.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, ext. 1009245.