Austin Acheson Arrested For Fraud – Police Fear More Victims

LONDON, ON (February 21, 2024) – A London man is facing charges in relation to a lengthy investigation that was reported in the summer of 2023. 

In August of 2023, members of the London Police Service Financial Crime Unit were made aware of an alleged fraud that had taken place between July and December of 2021. 

Investigators learned an elderly victim was approached by a door-to-door salesperson and signed contracts to have various products installed inside the victim’s residence in the west end of the city. The items, including attic insulation, a water filter and water softener were sold through a signed contract to which the victim agreed to pay monthly bills for a lengthy period. 

After the products were installed, liens or “Notice of Security Interest” (NOSIs) were secured against the victim’s property without the victim’s knowledge. 

In March of 2022, the suspect male attended the victim’s address and advised the victim that he could assist with dealing with the aforementioned contracts and debts that were owed. The suspect provided advice in relation to how the victim could acquire a private mortgage to pay for the previous home renovations. The suspect filled out a mortgage application, which was signed by the victim, resulting in the issuance of a high-interest private mortgage in the name of the victim. 

After the mortgage was obtained, the suspect convinced the victim that he could assist with additional renovations to the home at significant cost to the victim. It is further believed that the total amounts paid exceeded the cost of the work completed. 

Shortly after the payment was made relating to the renovations, the suspect male convinced the victim to apply for a reverse mortgage to pay back the private loan originally obtained. The reverse mortgage salesperson became concerned and contacted the London Police Service to investigate. 

Through the course of the investigation, detectives learned that the same suspect was involved in a similar mortgage-related fraud in Cambridge, Ontario. 

As a result of the investigation, Austin Acheson, 28, of London, has been charged with the following offences: 

• Two (2) counts of fraud over $5000; and
• Two (2) counts of fraud under $5000. 

The accused was arrested earlier this month, and is expected to appear in London court on March 11, 2024, in relation to the charges. 

The accused has been known to use the names “Victor”, “Victor Rodrigues”, “Cliff”, “Clifford” and “Don”. 

Investigators believe that the accused may have approached others in a similar manner, and that there may be other victims. An image of the accused is attached, and investigators are asking additional victims or anyone else with information to come forward. 

If you think you may have been the victim of this type of fraud, or have had dealings with the accused, please make an online report with the London Police Service or call 519-661-5670 to file a report. You may also call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by phone at 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free).

The London Police Service Financial Crime Unit would like to warn the community about fraudulent Liens on personal property and mortgages known as Notice of Security Interest (NOSI) as experienced in this incident and remind Londoners to be alert to suspicious interactions. 

“This scam involves individuals, who prey on a vulnerable sector of our society, through the offering of repairs to your home, appliance installation or consolidation of outstanding debts.” said Detective Sergeant Adam Steele with the LPS General Investigation Section. “People involved in this scam will often initiate contact with their targeted victims, by attending their address or contacting them over the telephone. If something is offered for “free” or at a severely discounted price, the customer, should apply the appropriate amount of skepticism to the deal and ask questions before making a decision.” 

“When deciding to do any repairs to your home, or purchase new appliances, ensure that you are working with a reputable company,” added Detective Sergeant Steele. “We encourage everyone to talk about this type of fraud with their family and friends, particularly seniors and those who may be in a vulnerable position.”