Canada Fraudulent GST cheques in circulation: RNC

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is advising business owners in the Northeast Avalon area to be on the lookout for fraudulent GST cheques.

The RNC was recently contacted and advised of the existence of a quantity of cheques believed to be fraudulent. Preliminary investigation has determined that several area businesses may have been victims of this crime.

Investigators have been made aware of cheques having been made out for the sum of $481 and others for the lesser amount of $181.

Cheques identified to date have serial numbers 0715-15684741-4, 0417-17117417-0 and 0814-58785748-7.

The various alias names known to have been used on the cheques include; Warren Penney, James Martin, Peter Williams, Warren Peters and Peter Joseph Warren. These are not believed to be associated to people legitimately having these names and police caution that there may be further fraudulent cheques bearing other fictitious names, written for other amounts and containing different serial numbers.

The RNC Economic Crime Unit is continuing to investigate.

The RNC is seeking the assistance of the general public and asks anyone with any information to contact the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can provide information on the NL Crime Stoppers website at www.rocktips.ca.

Source : St. John's Telegram - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, dated 05/02/2008