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

51 Division
416-808-5100

Case #: 2016-1125580

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.