March is Fraud Prevention Month and Calgary police are making the most of it by laying 40 charges against seven people in three separate fraud investigations.
The first case involves payroll fraud between 2006 and September 2012.
Investigators say a female payroll employee, who was hired by several oil and gas companies, allegedly defrauded five companies of more than $1.6 million.
Police say that the woman would alter payroll deposits by either re-instating former employees or creating fictional employees and directing their payroll deposits into her personal bank account.
Roslyn Rhae Thomas, 44, of Calgary, has been charged with:
- Six counts of defrauding a person over $5,000
- Three counts of theft over $5,000
- Two counts of possession of stolen property
- Two counts of uttering to deal with a forged document
The second case concerns fraudulent bank withdrawals.
On Tuesday, December 18, 2012, a man walked into a financial institution in the 300 block of Aspen Glen Landing S.W and allegedly produced fraudulent identification to access a line of credit.
Police say he was able to obtain a bank draft and cash.
The fraudulent activity was noticed by the real customer of the bank when he checked his statement and reported to police. The bank was defrauded of more than $42,500.
Another incident happened sometime between February 1 and February 19, 2013 when a man went into another financial institution in the 300 block of 58 Avenue S.E.
Investigators say he tried to obtain a line of credit using counterfeit identification but was unsuccessful and was arrested as he left the premises.
Ian Campbell Adams, 34, of Calgary is charged with:
- Two counts of identity theft
- Two counts of identity fraud – personation with intent to gain advantage
- Three counts of possess, sell or offer identity documents
- Three counts of utter to deal with a forged document
- Two counts to defraud a person over $5,000
Five people are charged in connection to the third case which involves a fraudulent credit card ring.
A group of five people allegedly defrauded an automotive and audio parts store in the 2200 block of Pegasus Road N.E. of more than $44,000 over a period of a few weeks at the end of February, 2013.
Police say that the suspects would attempt to make purchases and orders of high-end auto and audio equipment using fraudulent credit and gift cards at the store.
The store was alerted by the point of sale provider and staff contacted police.
The suspects were arrested when they showed up to collect the fraudulently purchased items.
Investigators say the suspects arrived in a stolen vehicle and that fraudulent credit cards and lists of credit card data were found in the vehicle.
Christopher Arquillano, 35, of Calgary, has been charged with one count each of:
- Fraud under $5,000
- Possession of credit card data
- Possession of a counterfeit credit card
- Theft of identification
- Identity fraud
Rebecca Lafreniere, 31, of Calgary, has been charged with one count each of:
- Theft over $5,000
- Theft of identification
- Possession of credit card data
Rodolfo Lopez, 35, of Calgary, has been charged with one count each of:
- Possession of credit card data
- Theft of identification
Tyler Schatschneider, 25, of Calgary, has been charged with one count each of:
- Theft of identification
- Fraud over $5,000
- Possession of a concealed weapon
- Carrying a prohibited weapon
- Weapon dangerous to public peace
Norman Atutubo, 38, of Calgary, has been charged with one count of fraud under $5,000.
To report identity theft or fraud, contact police or the Canadian Anti-fraud Call Centre toll-free from anywhere in North America, at 1-888-495-8501, or visit the Anti-Fraud Centre website
