‘Familiar fraud’ costs Ottawa area man $20,000
Posted Feb 27, 2019 02:37:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A 35-year-old Brockville woman is facing nine fraud-related charges after police say she bilked an Ottawa area man out of $20,000.
Ontario Provincial Police say it was a case of “familiar fraud,” which happens when a friend or family member uses a close relationship for their own financial gain.
In this case, the accused befriended a 41-year-old man, stole the victim's identity and used this personal information for fraudulent means.
Katrina Gilmour, 35, of Brockville, was charged on Tuesday with:
- Fraud over $5,000.
- Make forged document (2 counts)
- Fraud under $5,000 (2 counts)
- Identity theft (4 counts)
The accused was released on a promise to appear before the Brockville Ontario Court of Justice on April 12.
Identity theft is a broad term that encompasses several different types of criminal activity, some which have a greater impact on the victim's life than others. The most common from of financial fraud is, where your personal information is used without your knowledge or consent to establish a new account, typically a loan or credit card.
If you suspect that you have become a victim of identity theft contact your local police service or the OPP at 1-800-310-1122.
