Toronto Police Service (TPS) has announced the arrest of twelve individuals and laid over 100 charges in connection with a major fraud scheme targeting car dealerships in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

The investigation, dubbed Project Falcon, began in September 2023 after several dealerships reported fraudulent vehicle purchases. Toronto police alleges the group used stolen identities and fake documents to secure financing and purchase vehicles.

"This sophisticated operation targeted dealerships across the GTA, causing significant financial losses," said Detective-Constable John Miller of the Toronto Police Financial Crimes Unit. "We are committed to dismantling these criminal enterprises and protecting our communities from such fraud."

The investigation involved collaboration between Toronto Police Services Financial Crimes Unit, Forensic Services Unit, and officers from multiple divisions.  Police have not disclosed the value of the vehicles involved or the total losses incurred by dealerships.

The twelve arrested individuals are facing a variety of charges, including fraud over $5,000, possession of stolen property, and identity theft. They are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Protecting Your Dealership from Auto Fraud with AVA ID

This recent bust highlights the ongoing threat of auto fraud faced by dealerships across Canada.  While police services work diligently to apprehend criminals, dealerships can take proactive steps to safeguard themselves.

AVA ID is a revolutionary tool from Autocorp.ai that empowers dealerships to combat fraud.  This innovative solution utilizes sophisticated identity verification technology to:

Authenticate customer identities: AVA ID goes beyond traditional checks, verifying identities through a multi-layered process that combats the use of stolen documents and synthetic identities.

Streamline the buying process: AVA ID offers a fast and secure verification process, minimizing friction for legitimate customers.

Reduce fraud risk: By effectively identifying fraudulent applications, AVA ID protects dealerships from financial losses and reputational damage.

In today's digital age, protecting your dealership from auto fraud is essential.  AVA ID provides a powerful shield against evolving criminal tactics, ensuring trust and security throughout the sales process.

Book a demo on AVA ID today to learn more about how to safeguard your dealership from fraud.