The Calgary Police Service is asking for help from the public as they attempt to identify a suspect who has swindled several people by selling bogus tickets to hockey games and concerts while impersonating an actual member of the Calgary Fire Department.
According to police, there have been a number of fraudulent transactions in connection with online posts created by the victims seeking tickets for sale. The victims were contacted by text message by a person who indicated they had tickets. To gain the trust of the victim, the suspect stated they were a firefighter and sent a picture of their uniform and driver’s licence. Once the funds were transferred, communication ended and the tickets were never sent. The victims and the offender did not meet in person.
An investigation by CPS members determined the licence and uniform belonged to a Calgary Fire Department member who had been the victim of identity theft.
After obscuring the CFD member’s personal information, the Calgary Police Service has released the photo that had been sent to the victims in an attempt to prevent others from falling for the scam.
Anyone having information that could potentially assist the investigation or anyone who was involved in a transaction with the person posing as a CFD member is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234 or anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers.
