PUBLIC NOTICE — CHEQUE FRAUD
Smartphone technology now allows for remote deposit capture. This means individuals can deposit cheques into their account by taking a photo of it using their smartphone.
BE AWARE
Depositing a cheque by remote deposit capture then presenting it to a teller or depositing it at an automated teller machine (ATM) to be cashed a second time is known as double presentation.
PENALTY – IN CANADA
The act of double presentation is illegal and punishable by a charge of fraud.
FRAUD – PUNISHMENT
380 (1) Every one who, by deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means, whether or not it is a false pretence within the meaning of this Act, defrauds the public or any person, whether ascertained or not, of any property, money or valuable security or any service,
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding fourteen years, where the subject-matter of the offence is a testamentary instrument or the value of the subject-matter of the offence exceeds five thousand dollars; or
(b) is guilty
• (i) of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or
• (ii) of an offence punishable on summary conviction,
where the value of the subject-matter of the offence does not exceed five thousand dollars.
The punishment for summary offence conviction can be a $5,000 fine, up to six months in prison, or a combination of both.
The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service encourages anyone with information that will assist in potential frauds in our community, to please contact Akwesasne Central Dispatch at 613-575-2000 or the Akwesasne Crime Stoppers at 613-575-2255.
