Two men are facing fraud-related charges in Oshawa following an incident involving a fake debt consolidation scheme.
On Wednesday, police responded to a residence near Grandview Drive and Wesley Drive after receiving reports of a fraud in progress. The suspects, representing a bogus business called “Consumers Assistance,” approached the victim with offers to consolidate debt on outstanding payments for energy-related appliances.
The victim had previously invested over $50,000 in various energy systems—such as a heat pump, air purifying system, and tankless water heater—purchased from a door-to-door salesperson who had promised government green rebates, which the victim never received.
The suspects claimed they could settle the victim’s remaining debt for an additional $11,000 and promised to return that evening with the necessary paperwork. However, when they returned, police were on hand to arrest both individuals.
Authorities suspect there may be more victims and are encouraging anyone affected to come forward.
Isaak Estefan Garcia, 20, from Ottawa, and Mustafa Zeidan, 26, from Quebec, have been charged with Attempt Fraud Over $5000.