Police alerting public to scam targeting event planners

Police alerting public to scam targeting event planners, Three victims so far, losses of $162,600, Police concerned there may be other victims

Wednesday, August 31, 2016 - 9:15 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to inform the public of an ongoing fraud investigation into a scam targeting event planners.

It is reported that:

- a man posing as a producer from a production company has been soliciting event planning companies to organize an event around the time of the Toronto International Film Festival

- the man sends a large sum of money, by way of a fraudulent cheque, to the event planner to secure guest speakers

- the event planner is then instructed to send the fee for the guest speakers to a talent agency in the United States which does not exist

Three victims have, so far, come forward.

It is further alleged that:

- the total combined loss, so far, is $162,600

Police are concerned there may be other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS(8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.


Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Peter Brady, 51 Division