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IN BRIEF
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Imagine a seemingly ordinary couple strolling the aisles of a Home Depot store, but in reality, a cunning plan was brewing in their heads. Yes, you heard correctly! In the vast Greater Toronto Area, they managed to fool the DIY giant in the most incredible way possible, pocketing the tidy sum of $100,000! How did they achieve such a feat? Hold on tight, because this scam saga is more like a movie script than reality!
The highlights of the scam
In a series of events worthy of a movie, a coupleEtobicoke managed to defraud several Home Depot of GTA and the south ofOntario for a striking amount of $100,000 in just three months.
On July 11, around 4:30 p.m., the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) was alerted following an attempted fraudulent purchase at a Home Depot in Oakville. Although the suspect fled before authorities arrived, a rental vehicle was found at the scene.
Elements of the investigation
As soon as investigators got their hands on the rental vehicle, they executed a search warrant and discovered a trove of incriminating evidence:
- Property owned by Home Depot
- Several fraudulent credit cards
- False identities
During the investigation, it emerged that the suspect had used Home Depot gift cards as well as counterfeit identities to make his purchases. The transactions extended from May to July, accumulating losses estimated at $100,000.
Suspects identified
During the investigation, two individuals were identified. On August 14, HRPS arrested a 30-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, both fromEtobicoke.
Huguens Charlescat, the man, was charged with various offenses, including possession of property obtained by crime and the fraud. He remains in detention pending his hearing.
On the other hand, Melissa Levesque was released on bail after being accused of fraud.
Comparison of methods used
| Strategy | Details |
| Fraudulent purchase | Using Counterfeit Gift Cards |
| Falsified identity | Fake ID cards to validate purchases |
| Rental vehicle | Use of rental car linked to crime |
| Targeted areas | GTA Home Depots and Southern Ontario |
| Total amount stolen | $100,000 in three months |
Couple’s tips
- Using Fraudulent Credit Cards
- Multiple purchases at multiple branches
- Use of rental vehicles discreetly
- Choice of time of purchase to avoid suspicion
FAQs
What offenses were charged against the suspects? Huguens Charlescat was charged with possession of property obtained by crime and fraud, while Melissa Levesque was charged with fraud alone.
How big were Home Depot’s losses? Total losses were approximately $100,000, accumulated over three months.
How were the suspects identified? They were identified through analysis of fraudulent transactions and evidence found in the rental vehicle.
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