Identity fraud results in $5K purchase and an arrest in Surrey: Port Moody Police

A fraud reported to Port Moody Police lead to multiple search warrants and an arrest in Surrey last week.

In June of  2022, a victim of identity fraud contacted Port Moody Police after discovering a credit card was opened in their name and a $5000 purchase had been made on said credit card.

The investigator was able to trace the fraudulent transaction and identify suspect.  This lead the investigation to multiple properties in Surrey including a secure storage facility. 

On August 11, 2022, search warrants were obtained and the properties were searched by police resulting in huge amounts of stolen property including credit cards, identity cards and mail. 

“This investigation demonstrates how important it is to report fraud to your local police as it can unearth wide-scale operations like this” states Constable Sam Zacharias.  “Preliminary examination of these seized documents suggest many were stolen from mailboxes and vehicles – highlighting the importance of removing valuables from vehicles and regularly checking your mail.”

The suspect, who is well known to police, was arrested and charge of identity theft, fraud and unauthorized possession of credit card data are being recommended to crown counsel.