Mississauga residents are being warned that a known scam artist has been reportedly active again in the area. The scam artist usually claims to be in distress and then offers complimentary services and perks to companies he has no connection with in exchange for cash.
The scammer, a middle-aged man, has been spotted in Mississauga and Brampton. A whole Reddit thread has been dedicated to the scammer.
Mississauga Businesses Are Targets
A local business based in Mississauga and Brampton recently reported that the scammer is active again and seems to be targeting their operation. Brampton rustproofing company Krown Rust Control?s representative reached out to website insauga.com to inform them that the scam artist that has been mentioned in their previous article has been reportedly offering fake services and fraudulent discounts from Krown Rust Control.
The company?s vice president Jeremy Young said that they?ve had 5 issues in the last few months concerning people who claim that they gave some cash to a man in need after a promise of a free application at Krown Rust Control.
Confused customers are also calling Brampton?s Krown location, stating that they will be getting free service after helping the man who claims to be the owner?s son. Mohamed Ali, the branch?s owner, shared that this same thing has been happening for about a year now.
Dramatic Scammer Antics
The scammer?s antics has been such a nuisance that Ali has started to show customers some available photos of the alleged scammer to find out if that particular individual is the person who approached them. Most of them answer yes.
The customers share different stories about the same man. One customer shared that the scammer approached him asking for help because his car broke down and that he has to pick his kids at the babysitter?s place. Another customer reportedly gave the man $120 after the alleged scammer approached him and said that he has an emergency and needs to get to his wife who is in the hospital. In all these cases, the scam artist offered the good samaritans some discounts and free service at businesses he claims to be connected with.
The stories that the man shares tend to change with whoever he is talking to. Sometimes it is about needing money to pay for a taxi because of an emergency at home, sometimes it is about having to pick up his child, and sometimes it is about him being a student at Sheridan College who can offer free services at Krown Rust Control as compensation for ?help?.
What to Look Out For
It should be noted that the man has varying claims of being from Etobicoke and sometimes, from Mississauga.
The scam artist has also been reported to be seen with a young woman named Anna who he claims to be his wife. Most of the time, though, he will approach unsuspecting people on his own.
It is common for the scam artist to generally try to scam people upwards of $40 to $50. Peel police Const. Paolo Carretta shares that the authorities may be prompted to act against the man because there seems to be an emerging pattern of criminal behaviour. Previous victims are encouraged to share their experience with the police. Meanwhile, he urges Mississauga and Brampton residents to be as careful as possible.
Worried that your business is being targeted by scammers just like what is currently happening to Krown Rust Control in this scam? Our Ontario private investigators can help! Contact us at Haywood Hunt to find out which of our private investigation services will suit your needs. Initial consultation with us is obligation-free!
