York Regional Police have charged six men in connection with a gift card scam targeting over 50 victims in the United States.
Police say the investigation began back in February when an elderly victim from Utah received a pop-up message on his computer telling him his computer security had been compromised.
When the victim called the number provided, he was instructed to purchase $22,000 in Home Depot gift cards. After purchasing the gift cards and providing the serial numbers to the suspect, the cards were redeemed at a Home Depot store in Markham, police said.
Police have been able to identify over 50 victims across the United States who had fallen victim to the same suspects, thanks to the help of Home Depot, and the FBI.
“All of the purchased gift cards had been redeemed by a small group of contractors in the Greater Toronto Area, with purchases totalling over $3 million,” police said in a release on Thursday.
Between September and November this year, investigators executed search warrants at five locations in Markham and Toronto, seizing approximately $600,000 in Home Depot products and $67,000 in unused Home Depot store credit.
Haichun Chen, 37, of Toronto, Fei Wei, 27, of Markham, Zhi Qu, 36, of Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ruoyu Hou, 35, of Toronto, Kehui Wang, 27, of Markham and Zheng Guang Wei, 33, of Newmarket have been charged with Fraud over $5,000, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, and Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence.
Investigators believe there are more victims and further suspects. The investigation is ongoing.
Police are reminding citizens to be cautious of any suspicious calls or emails they receive before providing any information especially during the holiday season.
Earlier this week, Toronto police sent out a warning to the public about gift card scams and provided some tips on how people can avoid being a victim.
Anyone with information is asked to contact York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6615. or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
