BPS Remind Residents About Various Scams and Fraud
The Brantford Police Service are issuing an advisory to residents after receiving multiple reports of several ongoing scams. We are asking the public to share this information to spread awareness and notify anyone who may be especially vulnerable. These fraudsters can be very convincing and often target seniors. BPS would like to remind the public not to provide your PIN access codes or bank cards to anyone. When in doubt, call your bank directly or visit your bank in person to confirm legitimacy. If you feel an activity being requested of you is suspicious, please contact your bank or the Brantford Police Service for guidance.
Some of the common scams reported to police involve the following:
Gift Card Purchase
Reports have been received where the victim will receive an email from an individual posing as an authority figure requesting the victim to purchase gift cards and provide the activation pins for the cards. The gift cards are requested under the pretense that the victim’s bank account or credit card may have been tampered with and must be verified. Under no circumstances will a financial institution or employer request to verify your accounts in this manner.
Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency Investment Scams
Reports have been received where the victim comes across internet postings or postings on social media regarding Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency investment opportunities. In all cases, these postings promise high returns for investing. The suspect directs the victim to purchase Bitcoin or other crypto-currency and then transfer it into a "trading account”. In reality, the victim transfers their Bitcoin into the suspect’s own crypto currency wallet where the funds disappear, and the victim no longer has access to these funds. In some cases, the suspect will have the victim allow them access to their computer or cell phone thru a screen sharing application. The suspect then gains access to the victim’s computer or cell phone where they are now able to transfer funds out of the victim’s accounts.
Information Phishing Scams
Reports have been received where the victim signs up for an online investment opportunity. The victim is directed to complete a sign-up form where they are asked for personal and identity information including bank account number, online banking passwords, date of birth, driver’s license number, social insurance number and phone number. The suspect then uses this information to access the victim’s bank account and transfer funds away from the victim.
Automated CRA Phone Calls
Brantford Police Service are aware of ongoing scam phone calls involving persons claiming to be from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). This scam involves a threat to individuals for payment of a fictitious debt to avoid arrest. The victim is often asked to repay their false debt by wire transfer, cyber-based currency or with the purchase of gift cards.
This scam often involves the use of technology which can cause a phone display to show a local telephone number, or a Brantford Police Service registered phone number. This technique is called "spoofing”. Caller ID spoofing allows fraudsters to disguise their calls and make them appear to represent a legitimate organization. Do not trust what is showing on your phone’s caller ID display. If you suspect a company or government agency is seeking personal information or money fraudulently, contact them directly to verify the validity of the request.
Residents are advised to be cautious of such scams and to be advised that no such calls are being made from any phone number associated with the Brantford Police Service.
Members of the Canadian Revenue Agency will not call you and ask for your banking information while threatening your arrest. The Canadian Revenue Agency does not accept e-transfers or wire payments for any fees or services. The CRA never uses text messages or instant messaging such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to communicate with taxpayers. Any text or instant message claiming to be from the CRA is a scam.
The Canadian Revenue Agency can be reached at 1-800-959-8281, or you can monitor "My Account” online at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/scrty/frdprvntn/menu-eng.html
Online Buy and Sell Scams
The Brantford Police Service have received reports of online buy and sell scams. In these cases, the buyer responds to an ad posted online for the sale of an item or, occasionally, a pet. In cases involving animals, the seller will frequently request that payment be transferred electronically and will often request an e-transfer for a deposit to hold the item or for additional costs to cover items such as shipping or pet insurance. Often the items are never received by the buyer.
Brantford Police Service would like to remind the public to be vigilant while responding to email requests to send money or when shopping online on buy and sell sites for items.
The following safety tips should be considered when making purchases online:
•DO NOT send a deposit or full payment without seeing the item.
•Be sure to verify the legitimacy of the seller
•Make purchases from known breeders or suppliers.
•Trust your instincts. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.
•When in doubt, consult police or someone you trust before sending funds.
The Brantford Police Service wish to remind residents of the importance of fraud education and protecting oneself from becoming a victim. Please see below for tips on how to protect yourself from fraud. We also encourage spreading the word to those, such as the elderly, who may be particularly vulnerable to these fraudsters and may be targets of these high-pressure scams.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
- Be mindful of advertisements for investments that promise higher than normal returns. "If it’s too good to be true, it most always is too good to be true.”
- Be aware that social media account takeovers are becoming more and more common. Suspects will take over a social media account and post advertisements for their scams. It will appear that your social media friends are making these posts and referring you to the investment.
- Be mindful when investing with or providing any personal information to a potential investment advisor. Do your research before investing. Ask for phone numbers and be sure you can contact these persons on these phone numbers. Confirm an address where the investor is based out of. Ask for references. In all likelihood, if you ask a scammer for these things, they will either not be able to provide them or will provide excuses as to why they cannot provide them.
- Never allow anyone to access your phone or computer thru a screen sharing application. A legitimate entity would never invade your privacy in this way.
- DO NOT provide personal information (e.g., Social Insurance Number, passport number, banking information or credit card numbers) over the phone unless you placed the call, and you know for certain who you are speaking to.
- Accredited businesses and government agencies will never ask for payment using gift cards or bitcoin.
- If you suspect it is a scam, it may be - just hang up. Conduct your own research to determine validity.
- Never wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an email, especially overseas.
- Resist the pressure to act quickly, if the offer is too good to be true, it probably is.
- Consider adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call List: www.Innte-dncl.gc.ca/index-eng
- Consult with someone you trust before agreeing to provide large sums of money to anyone.
- DO NOT write down passwords and carry them with you.
If you have already sent funds and/or your personal information, contact the police and your financial institution immediately. If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud and reside in the City of Brantford, contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. You can also report online at: https://www.brantfordpolice.ca/online-reporting
If you have not experienced a financial loss but have received a fraudulent call, such as the CRA scam, please report the incident by calling the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraud.ca/index-eng.htm
Public Safety in Partnership with our Community
MISSING: Patricia, 75
25-06463
The Brantford Police Service are seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing 75-year-old, Patricia.
Patricia is described as female, white, approximately 140 lbs., with shoulder length dark brown and grey hair, wearing brown and red glasses. She was last seen wearing a bright pink winter jacket with black patches on the elbows/shoulders and around the base of the jacket.
Patricia was last seen at approximately 9:30 am- 10 am, February 17, 2025, leaving the Brantford General Hospital, 200 Terrace Hill Street, Brantford.
The Brantford Police Service are concerned for Patricia’s well-being and are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information which may assist in locating the missing person.
Anyone with knowledge of Patricia’s whereabouts are asked to please contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050 at reference Incident # 25-06463. Individuals who wish to provide information anonymously are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 and reference Incident # 25-06463. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
Vehicle Theft Awareness: Toyota Tundra
The Brantford Police Service are warning the public regarding recent vehicle thefts in the City of Brantford.
Five Toyota Tundra’s have been subject of theft/attempted theft over the past week at separate addresses within the City of Brantford.
Unfortunately, despite efforts to prevent vehicle theft, it still occurs. In the case of theft, record the following information and store it in a safe place. This information will be needed if you need to report a vehicle theft:
•Year, make, model and colour of your vehicle
•Licence plate and any vehicle identification number (VIN)
•Serial numbers for any special equipment
•Any dents or scratches that distinguish your vehicle from others
How to protect your vehicle from theft?
Make your vehicle more secure with the following theft prevention tips:
- Park your vehicle inside a locked and secure garage.
- Block the access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprograming the vehicle’s key fob. (A simple device can be purchased online).
- Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft.
- Place the vehicle key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block cell signals when not in use. Inside your residence and in a purse or pocket.
- Consider equipping your vehicle with an aftermarket global positioning system (GPS) tracker. The tracker may assist police in locating the vehicle and/or suspects.
- Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle or unattended.
- Lock your vehicle at all times.
- Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
- Consider purchasing a surveillance system and ensure the quality and function will capture any suspicious activity for a 24-hour period.
If you observe suspicious people in your neighborhood, looking into vehicles, we encourage you to report this to police immediately. Doing so will assist investigators to track patterns of criminal behavior and potentially identify suspects.
A crime in-progress can be reported by calling 9-1-1. Any non-emergency incidents can be reported on-line at Brantfordpolice.ca or by calling 519-756-7050.
Additionally, information can be provided anonymously to Brantford Crime Stoppers by calling 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
BPS officers arrest man for attempted murder after stabbing incident
Incident 25-05999
Brantford police have arrested and charged a 37-year-old male with attempted murder.
On Friday, February 14, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to attend an English Lane residence after receiving a report of an injured female who had arrived at the hospital suffering from life-threatening stab wounds.
Officers attended the residence, where they located the accused who was taken into custody by officers without incident.
The accused and the victim were known to each other. This incident has been classified as an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) related incident. No threat to public safety exists as a result of this incident.
As a result, a 37-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with one count of attempted murder, one count of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, two counts of disobeying court orders and two counts of failure to comply with judicial release contrary to the Criminal Code. The accused was held for bail.
What is Intimate Partner Violence?
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is any behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm to those in the relationship.
An intimate relationship can be defined as legally married, separated, or divorced partners, current or former common-law or dating partners. It can occur in either heterosexual or same-sex relationships. It is very difficult for victims to disclose, often due to fear of criticism or alienation from family, or a lack of confidence in the ability of community agencies to provide services. It is suspected that IPV for males, LGBTQI, Indigenous and visible minorities is even more underreported. Victim Services of Brant provides support to anyone affected by crime and tragic events.
IPV is not limited to actions that meet criminal code definitions, for example: financial abuse, isolation from family or friends or monitoring cell phone and social media accounts.
IPV is the most common form of violence against women in Canada. Please see this link for information on Safety Planning.
In Ontario there is a domestic or sexual violence job-protected leave of absence. It provides up to 10 days and 15 weeks in a calendar year of time off to be taken for specific purposes when an employee or an employee’s child has experienced or been threatened with domestic or sexual violence. For more information and eligibility please visit The Ontario Government.
Victims of Intimate Partner Violence may be eligible for benefits from the Victim Quick Response Program+. For more information, please contact Victim Services of Brant 519-752-3140 www.victimservicesbrant.on.ca
MISSING: Minlu, 33
25-004016
The Brantford Police Service are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 33-year-old, Minlu.
Minlu is described as 6' tall, approximately 187 lbs., with a medium build, black medium length hair, brown eyes, a tattoo on the left arm of a koi fish, and known to have left ear pierced with earing stud. Minlu is known to frequent the Greater Toronto and Kitchener Waterloo areas. Minlu hasn’t been seen since early December 2024.
The Brantford Police Service and community are concerned for Minlu’s well-being and are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information which may assist in locating the missing person.
Anyone with knowledge of Minlu’s whereabouts are asked to please contact Detective Jet Khagura of the Brantford Police Service- Major Crime Unit at 519-756-7050 ext. 2919.
Individuals who wish to provide information anonymously are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477.
Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
BPS arrest second suspect in robbery and shooting investigation
25-003020
A second suspect has been arrested and charged in relation to a robbery and shooting that occurred on January 22, 2025.
As a result of continued investigation, an 18-year-old man from Mississauga was arrested on February 10, 2025, and stands charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
•Attempt to murder x 2
•Point firearm
•Robbery with a firearm
•Weapons Dangerous
•Assault with a weapon
•Aggravated assault
•Discharge firearm with intent
•Unauthorized possession of firearm
•Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
•Disguise with intent
•Careless use of firearm, weapon, ammunition
•Discharge firearm with intent to wound
•Possession of stolen property over $5000.00
•Flight from police
The suspect was held for bail and will appear at bail court February 11, 2025.
This arrest is in addition to the suspect who was quickly located by officers the night of the incident. On January 22, 2025, a 21-year-old male from Dundalk was arrested fleeing from a stolen vehicle that had just left the scene, BPS officers pursued, and the suspect was caught by BPS K-9 Mack.
The suspect was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
•Attempt to murder x 2
•Point firearm
•Robbery with a firearm
•Weapons Dangerous
•Assault with a weapon
•Aggravated assault
•Discharge firearm with intent
•Unauthorized possession of firearm
•Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
•Disguise with intent
•Careless use of firearm, weapon, ammunition
•Discharge firearm with intent to wound
•Possession of stolen property over $5000.00
•Flight from police
As this is an active and on-going investigation, no further information is available at this time.
Anyone with information or video footage related to this incident is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Video footage can be uploaded to the following link: https://brantfordpoliceservice.ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/br25003020 or by scanning this QR code:
Additionally, anonymous information can be provided by contacting Brant- Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 and referencing Incident #25-003020. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
January 22, 2025
Brantford police actively investigating robbery and shooting
Brantford police are actively investigating a robbery and shooting that has injured three people and are advising the public that there is currently a heavy police presence in the downtown core as the investigation continues.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2025, police responded to a report of a robbery in progress, where two victims had been shot and a third victim assaulted. The incident occurred in the area of Colborne Street and Alfred Street.
Officers responded and located three victims who sustained serious injuries. The victims have been transported to hospital for treatment and are in stable condition at the time of this report.
One male suspect was quickly located by officers and is now in police custody.
Officers are actively searching the area for the outstanding suspect(s) and ask the public to stay away from the immediate area unless absolutely necessary. BPS K9 Unit is assisting in the search. Additional suspect information is not available at this time.
As it is early in the investigation, more information will be released once available.
Anyone with information or video footage related to this incident is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Video footage can be uploaded to the following link: https://brantfordpoliceservice.ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/br25003020 or by scanning this QR code:
Additionally, anonymous information can be provided by contacting Brant- Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
