Two arrested after suspicious transaction flagged at Quinte West car dealership

Two Brampton residents are facing multiple charges after Quinte West OPP say they were caught attempting to obtain a vehicle from a local dealership using fraudulent identification and forged documents.

Police say on Friday, Oct. 2 that officers called to the dealership at about 2 p.m. on Thursday after employees reported concerns about suspicious customers.

Dealership staff told police the individuals may have been using fraudulent identification documents in an attempt to acquire a vehicle.

Officers attended the dealership and began an investigation, arresting two people while the alleged transaction was still underway.

Justin Gallant, 38, and Rebecca Foster, 46, both of Brampton, were each charged with fraud over $5,000, using, dealing with or acting on a forged document, and personation with intent, also known as identity fraud.

Charges have not been proven in court.

Both accused were held for a bail hearing and remain in custody. They are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville at a later date.

“The cooperation and vigilance of dealership staff played a significant role in preventing the alleged fraud and ensuring police were contacted promptly,” OPP note in Thursday’s release.

“The OPP would like to remind businesses and members of the public to remain vigilant when conducting financial transactions involving significant purchases. Fraudsters continue to use increasingly sophisticated methods, including counterfeit identification documents and stolen personal information, to facilitate fraudulent transactions.”

Anyone with information about fraud-related offences can contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through ontariocrimestoppers.ca.