(Ottawa) — On February 19, 2016, two 17 year old males from Ottawa were arrested in the 1700 block of Russell Road following an undercover police operation related to the online advertisement of a cellular phone for sale.
The police operation, conducted by East District Investigations and Neighbourhood Officers, was the result of an incident on January 23rd where a young complainant answered an online advertisement and was defrauded a sum of money.
As a result of the investigation, the two youths were charged as follows:
Young offender 1:
Fraud not exceeding $5000, contrary to s. 380(1)(b) of the CCC
Unlawfully in a Dwelling home, contrary to s. 349(1) of the CCC
Mischief to property not exceeding $5000 contrary to s. 430(4) of the CCC
Young offender 2:
Unlawfully in a Dwelling home, contrary to s. 349(1) of the CCC
Mischief to property not exceeding $5000 contrary to s. 430(4) of the CCC
The Ottawa Police would like to remind the public of basic “buyer beware” guidelines when responding to online ads:
Do not give money until you have seen and inspected the item you are buying;
Do not go to a seller’s address alone, if possible;
Set up a meeting in a public place to purchase your desired item;
For cell phones, ask for the 15 digit IMEI in advance to ensure it is not stolen;
Ask for valid identification from the seller;
If you are a victim of a crime, report to police immediately.
For more information http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/about-us/common-scams.asp